Central & South America attractions

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.

Science and technology take center stage at this interactive, family-friendly museum where visitors expand their knowledge through hands-on activities. Here you can learn about everything from the human body to the petroleum industry in a way that's fun, accessible, and designed to spark an interest in science among young guests.

With its simple cream and white façade and unassuming central dome, the Malakoff Tower (Torre Malakoff) isn’t Recife’s most striking landmark, but it’s nonetheless an important historical monument. Built in the 19th century as an astronomic observatory and arsenal storage for the military, it’s now been converted into an exhibition space and public observatory.

Chave-Mestra is an escape room experience that offers a variety of themed games and puzzles. Pick from a variety of thrilling, magical, or macabre themes, and spend part of an afternoon or evening solving riddles and puzzles that will allow you to escape a locked room.

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.

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.

Among Santiago’s most recognized buildings, La Parroquia San Vicente Ferrer was on Chile’s 2,000 peso banknote for over a decade. Construction on the church and the adjacent convent that now houses the handicraft market began in 1809, and the well-preserved complex retains much of its original Spanish charm to this day. It still draws parishioners and visitors alike with its whitewashed exteriors, though many people just stop for a quick photo before heading to Los Dominicos Handicraft Village next door.

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.

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.

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.

While not as well known as Ponta Negra, crescent-shaped Praia da Lua is arguably Manaus’ best beach, with white sand and the warm, black waters of the Rio Negro. It’s a popular beach for swimming or watching an Amazon sunset.

As the largest private butterfly park in Brazil, Borboletário Águias da Serra is home to thousands of butterflies that span 17 different species. The venue was designed to allow you to come into close contact with the butterflies, while also ensuring the protection of the winged insects.

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.

A beachfront public park located between Copacabana Fort (Forte de Copacabana) and Arpoador Rock (Pedra do Arpoador), Parque Garota de Ipanema takes its name from the bossa nova hit “Garota de Ipanema” (“The Girl From Ipanema”). It’s a tranquil green space with features including a skate park and playground, as well as scenic viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

In the heart of Curitiba, Santos Andrade Square (Praça Santos Andrade) is a central hub for transportation, culture, and just hanging out. Brazil's first university—the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR)—is right by the square, which means you're likely to run into students, as is the celebrated Guaira Theatre.

One of the most centrally located wineries in Cafayate, Bodega El Transito is a family-owned winery offering tours and tastings. Popular with visitors who don’t have a car or are short on time, this boutique winery provides quick and convenient tours and guided tastings. During a visit to this charming winery in Cafayate, sample malbec, cabernet sauvignon, torrontés, and other blends of these grapes.

Home to thrilling rollercoasters, water slides, and a huge variety of outdoor activities, Acqua Lokos has something to entertain all ages. As the largest leisure complex in Rio Grande do Sul, it’s a popular choice for a family day out and the on-site hotel is ideal for those who want to stay longer.

While the views of the Amazon basin from Tres Cruces Viewpoint (Mirador de Tres Cruces) are stunning, this isn’t just any lookout. It comes into its own during the winter solstice, when the sunrise creates an extremely rare visual phenomenon. Part of Manu National Park, the site is surrounded by the wildlife and wonders of the Amazon Rainforest.

The elegant metal facade of this San José landmark was made in Belgium and then shipped piece by piece to Costa Rica. Now an elementary school, the 1896 Metallic Building (Edificio Metálico) is a recognizable San José landmark on some San Jose walking tours, along with nearby Parque España and Morazan Park.

Discover the heart of Buenos Aires at Plaza de la Republica. Situated in the bustling San Nicolas neighborhood, this historic square holds a special place in the city's identity. This is most notably presented in the towering obelisk at the center of the square, commemorating the city's quadricentennial.

One of the first wineries in South America, dating from the 18th century, Navarro Correas is ingrained in Argentinian history and culture. Hosts to Polo Argentina, sponsors of the Argentinian Open, and boasting vibrant bottle labels designed by Argentinian artists, the winery exudes cool from every angle. Inside, you’ll find a wine room, reception room, art gallery, and two tasting rooms. Navarro Correas produces red and whites, though it’s particularly well-known for its sparkling wines—unusual in an area famed for Malbec.

Orchids bloom in rainbow hues within this 82-acre (33-hectare) bird and plant sanctuary near Coban. Its forested landscape is home to nearly 700 varieties of orchids and more than 160 species of birds—which can be observed through binoculars on guided walks with naturalists. A treetop observation tower at the heart of the preserve offers wraparound views of the surrounding Sierra de Chama mountain range.

Home to its own private beach and less than an hour from downtown Natal, Manoa Park is a one-stop-shop for family entertainment. From ziplining and beach volleyball to water slides and boat cruises, there’s something for all ages here.

Three hours driving from São Paulo, Thermas Water Park is one of Brazil’s most modern water parks and offers tons to do for kids and adults of any age. The main attraction is, of course, the pools and waterslides. The grounds are home to 11 pools, 10 waterslides and the adrenaline-pumping Free Fall slide, which drops over 30 feet (10 meters). A highlight is the warm pools, where heated swimming holes are set among an artificial white sand beach and several waterfalls and grottos. The children’s area features a massive shallow swimming pool, dotted with colorful animal decorations, toys and small waterslides. Beyond the aquatic attractions and wild slides of the park, Thermas also offers the pre-historic world, an exhibit of 30 massive dinosaur replicas, and smaller exhibits with replicas of marine life and insects. Visitors can also experience living animals at the Vô Bráulio Ranch, which is home to farm animals like horses, ostrich, rabbits and pheasants as well as some of Brazil’s tropical creatures like toucans, macaws and monkeys — many of which visitors are allowed to hold and touch.

As the centrepiece of the Felicia Leirnar sculpture park, Claudio Santoro Auditorium serves as both an architectural landmark and a concert venue. Named after Manaus-born musician Claudio Franco de Sá Santoro, it’s the main stage of the Campos do Jordão International Festival, one of the largest classical music events in Latin America.

Simple but striking, with its sky-blue and white façade; the Our Lady of the Candelaria Church is one of Punta del Este’s prettiest landmarks. Dating back to the mid-20th century, the church is dedicated to the patron saint of Punta del Este and is the town’s principal catholic church.

A major draw of visiting the Amazonas region is the incredible variety of living creatures that are unique to the river and rainforest. Anyone who might be a bit hesitant to go trekking into the jungle to meet them in their natural habitat can get a peek at the Amazon Natural Science Museum (Museo De Ciencias Naturais Da Amazonia).

Founded by Jesuit missionary Father Gustavo Le Paige, the R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum houses one of the region’s principal collections of pre-Colombian artifacts. With around 1,000 items on display, it provides insight into the history and cultural heritage of the Atacama Desert.

Snow meets big skies at Santa Isabel Volcano, whose towering 16,240-foot (4,965-meter) summit can be reached without technical climbing skills. Instead, trekkers walk up through ecosystems from woodland to paramo wetlands to rapidly melting glaciers. Santa Isabel Volcano is less active than nearby Nevado del Ruiz, which is sometimes closed due to eruption risk.

Nestled in the heart of São Paulo, Estação Pinacoteca (Pina Estação) stands as a testament to the city's vibrant art scene, showcasing a diverse collection of contemporary Brazilian art. Housed in a historic train station, this cultural gem seamlessly blends the old and the new.