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.
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.
If you love tropical fruit and chocolate, Rancho Raices de Puerto Jiménez is a must-visit attraction when you’re in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. The farm owners offer tours where you can try fruits such as white pineapple and papaya. You’ll also see cacao trees, taste the seeds, and learn about the entire chocolate-making process.
The Rio do Peixe, or Peixe River, is a wildlife lover’s dream. Set in the heart of the lush rainforest of Brazil’s central region, there are dense canopies of trees, trails that follow fast-moving rivers, and waterfalls that rain down into crystal clear pools full of colorful fish. After all, Peixe’s name literally means “river of fish.”
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.
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.
Run by the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), the PUCRS Museum of Science and Technology is Latin America’s only interactive museum of natural sciences. The space offers exhibits on the universe, the earth, the environment, and humankind as well as hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.
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.
Cidade da Criança (Children's City) amusement park is an ideal choice for visitors with active children. Located in the center of São Bernardo do Campo—in the metropolitan region of São Paulo—it was the first theme park to open in both Brazil and Latin America.
Stretching across the Cauca River in Antioquia, this 984-foot (300-meter) suspension bridge—built in 1895—was once the longest suspension bridge in South America and the third-longest such structure in the world. While it's no longer breaking any records, it continues to provide an essential link between Olaya and Santa Fe de Antioquia.
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.
With its relaxed atmosphere and peaceful plazas, the district of Cayma offers respite from the bustle of Arequipa’s UNESCO-listed city center. According to locals, it's where the hearty and delicious Peruvian adobo stew was created, so it's the perfect place to grab a bowl of that.
Less than an hour from Buenos Aires, Aquafan is one of the largest water parks in Argentina. With more than 17 different rides and activities, the park has something to keep the whole family entertained, from daring water slides to palm-fringed swimming pools.
This private rainforest preserve hums with life, from forest-floor trails to the vine-draped branches of centuries-old trees. Colorful frogs, slow-moving sloths, and tropical birds abound. Explorations of the 3,400-acre (1,376-hectare) Veragua Rainforest are focused on all that wild nature, whether hiking to the scenic Puma Waterfall or riding an elevated tram through the rainforest canopy.
Among the oldest Dominican churches in Santiago, this historic structure in the city center is notable for both its architecture and its interiors. It was built in 1747 (though other churches have stood here in the past) and was declared a national monument in 1951.
Just outside Santiago lies Yerba Loca Sanctuary(Parque Yerba Loca), a diverse natural reserve in the heart of the Chilean Andes, replete with glacial ravines, rocky peaks, and wildflower-covered meadows. Known for La Paloma Glacier, the looming peaks of Los Piches and El Altar, and the densely wooded forests of Villa Paulina valley, Yerba Loca Sanctuary is a popular day-trip destination.
Mundo Aventura Theme Park (Parque Mundo Aventura) boasts more than 30 rides and attractions, which range from extreme thrill rides to family-friendly roller coasters and log flumes. In classic carnival style, the park has sideshows and traditional fairground rides. For younger children, there’s a ballpark, petting zoo, and several playgrounds.
Located on the south shore of Lacár Lake in San Martin de los Andes, Quila Quina mixes holiday homes and culture. Here, on the string of sandy beaches looking out at Lanin National Park, modern lakefront vacation homes combine with the Mapuche village of Curruhuinca to form a unique Andean village. Daytrippers are drawn to Quila Quina for the lake views and natural attractions.
The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Benedict (Igreja do Rosário) is an important landmark in Paraty. Built by enslaved people in the mid-1700s, the church sits in the heart of Paraty Historic Center and remains central in local religious and social life.
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.
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.
A wonder of nature tucked into the city, Dunas Park (Parque das Dunas) is a lush and leafy place to explore or to simply relax among trees and plants native to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Golden sand dunes stretch into clear ocean, and trails through the natural environment are ideal for trekking, and they attract active travelers.
Located on a 150-year-old Costa Rican horse and cattle ranch, Pura Aventura offers multiple ways to enjoy the Guanacaste area. The ranch provides a natural habitat for birds, monkeys, and pumas. It’s also a picturesque backdrop for the park’s canopy tours, horseback riding, mountain biking, and ATV adventures.
Government House, also known as the House of Culture, is one of the most beautiful colonial buildings in Belize City. The stately mansion was built in 1812 to house the colonial government of British Honduras, but it was later turned into a residence for the Governor General. Today, it is a creative community center.
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.
Located in an 18th-century rococo building called the Casa de las Trece Monedas, Lima’s National Afro-Peruvian Museum (Museo Nacional Afroperuano) delves into the history of Peru’s Black and Afro-descendant peoples. Here, learn about the beginnings of the slave trade in Peru, the culture of the enslaved people, and the legacy of African traditions in present-day Peruvian life via artifacts, documents, and more.
A strip of black sand lapped by the frothing waves of the Pacific Ocean, Playa Hermosa is one of San Juan del Sur’s surfing hot spots. It's a little out of the way in Camino Ostional, which means you’ll often find it much less crowded than the other beaches in the center of town.
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.
Get close to and learn all about ostriches at the Ostrich Farm (Granja de Avestruces). Located outside of Villa de Leyva, this ecological farm is home to more than 120 ostriches and a handful of other farm animals that visitors can interact with, including llamas, horses, sheep, goats, cows, and buffalo.
One of the best places to pick up gifts and souvenirs in the quiet town of Puerto Iguazú, a base for exploring the Iguazú Falls UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the Puerto Iguazú Arts and Crafts Market. The market specializes in traditional Guaraní crafts, including yerba mate bombillas, woven baskets, ceramics,aho-poi (embroidered linen), and jewelry.
