Choose from 1,039 Fun Things to Do in Central And South America
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Doka Estate
Costa Rica has some of the world’s most flavorful coffee and travelers who favor this bold brew can see how these prized beans make it from farm to table on a tour of Doka Estate. This iconic plantation puts visitors right up close to the production and practices of this age-old crop. Travelers can tour the grounds, see where workers hand-pick coffee berries from prized plants and even sample some of the eight roasts the Doka Estate creates on site.
Organized small-group, on-site tours ensure visitors receive personalized attention and loads of information, while the plantation’s gift shop, Casa de Artesanias, is filled with unique and flavorful items picked fresh from the farm that are perfect souvenirs for friends and family back home. The Doka Estate is also home to a Bonsai Tree and Orchid Garden, as well as a Butterfly Farm, making it the ideal place to spend the day exploring some of Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
Practical Info
The coffee estate is stationed near Costa Rica’s Poas Volcano. Tours take place Monday through Friday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Travelers can also explore the grounds at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on weekends.
Address: Poas & the Airport Area, Alajuela, Costa Rica
From $ 72
El Imposible National Park
The largest of El Salvador’s four national parks, El Imposible National Park is also home to one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems, offering refuge for a number of endangered animals and plant species. Set on one of the country’s most important historic trade routes, El Imposible (The Impossible) was named for its treacherously steep gorge that claimed the lives of many travellers and mules throughout the years.
Thankfully, since the building of a bridge across the pass back in 1968, exploring the park has been much easier and today the 3,800-hectare parklands are a prime spot for hikers - a sweeping landscape of riverside mangrove forests and rugged peaks soaring to heights of 1,450 meters. Wildlife spotting is another popular pastime with around 250 bird varieties found in the park, including rare species like Great Curassow, King Vulture, Turquoise-browed Motmot and black-crested eagles, as well as pumas, tigrillos, wild boars and a vast array of butterflies.
Practical Info
El Imposible National Park is located in southwest El Salvador, 120 km west of San Salvador and close to the Guatemalan border.
Address: Ahuachapan, El Salvador
From $ 90
El Cajas National Park
With its rolling lakelands, ancient quinua woods and sprawling cloud forest set against a jagged skyline of rocky peaks, the El Cajas National Park is a natural playground for adventurous travelers. Famous for its array of native wildlife, the park plays host to white-tailed deer, pumas, tapirs, llamas, Andean gulls and Violet-tailed Metaltail, as well as rare species like Andean condor and cougar, and colorful flora like wild orchids and rare bromeliads.
The 29,000-hectare reserve is dotted with some 230 lakes and a vast network of walking trails, making it a prime spot for hiking, fly-fishing, horseback riding and camping. Notable highlights include the Tres Cruces and Avilahuyco viewpoints, Lake Toreadora, the Taitachungo Lagoon and Lagartococha.
Practical Info
El Cajas National Park is located 30km west of Cuenca. Adult admission to the park at the time of writing is $10.
Address: Azuay, Ecuador
Admission: $10
From $ 38
El Nispero Zoo
This nearly seven-acre botanical garden and zoo began as a privately owned nursery, for which the owner gradually began collecting animals and birds. Other people donated animals as well, with the most famous having once belonged to the dictator Manuel Noriega. In time, the site evolved into a public zoo, which now has animals from all around the world, some even from as far away as Madagascar.
Among the endemic animals are the Capuchin and spider monkeys, ocelots, toucans, jaguars, macaws and sloths. This is also one of the best places to see the striking, endangered, Panama native rana dorada, also known as the golden frog.
The onsite Centro de Conservación de Anfibios, with anquarium and exhibits, serves as a center for amphibian studies, sponsored by zoos from the United States. The zoo is surrounded by trees and a botanical garden, a pleasant area to picnic.
Practical Info
The El Nispero Zoo is open daily from 7am to 5pm, and there is parking available at the entrance. It is possible to walk to the zoo from the town of El Valle, and admission costs $5 for foreigners.
Address: El Nispero Zoo, Panama City, Panama
Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $5 for foreigners
From $ 100
El Boquerón National Park
With a trio of peaks set around the dramatic volcanic crater of El Boqueron, the wildflower covered slopes of El Boquerón National Park make a scenic hiking spot and at less than 30 minutes drive from San Salvador, it’s a popular choice for a day trip from the capital.
The main highlight of a visit to El Boquerón is the views, which look out over San Salvador and the distant Lake Ilopango and Izalco Volcano, and there are a number of lookout points to choose from. Walking trails run to the summits of El Boquerón, El Jabalí and El Picacho, the highest at 6,430 feet, and it’s also possible to hike down into the crater itself, a 1,600-foot deep caldera, measuring about 5 km in diameter.
Practical Info
El Boquerón National Park is located less than 20 km northwest of San Salvador and is open daily from 8am-5pm. Adult admission costs US $1.
Address: Calle al Parque Nacional El Boqueron, San Salvador, El Salvador
Hours: Daily 8am-5pm
Admission: US $1
From $ 28
El Querandi
Red wine and red-hot tango are two of Argentina’s top exports and few places do both as well as El Querandi, one of the most famous tango venues in Buenos Aires. The atmospheric restaurant and wine bar is as popular with locals, who fill up on lunchtime steaks, as it is with tourists, who frequent the legendary dinner tango shows, and serves up an acclaimed menu of Argentine cuisine and local wines.
The historic venue has been making its mark in the tango world since it first opened its doors in 1920 and while the nightly dinner shows are now mostly for the benefit of tourists, the passion and artistry of the tango is still very much alive. Tracing the history of the sultry tango from the late 19th century bordellos, through its many generational interpretations and including plenty of gasp-inducing modern twists, the El Querandi tango show is a stylish introduction to the iconic dance. Entering the dimly lit venue is like stepping back in time, with tuxedoed waiters and glittering chandeliers bringing a touch of old world glamor, film reels showcasing clips of the tango greats and dazzling costumes and performances by some of the city’s most talented dancers.
The historic venue has been making its mark in the tango world since it first opened its doors in 1920 and while the nightly dinner shows are now mostly for the benefit of tourists, the passion and artistry of the tango is still very much alive. Tracing the history of the sultry tango from the late 19th century bordellos, through its many generational interpretations and including plenty of gasp-inducing modern twists, the El Querandi tango show is a stylish introduction to the iconic dance. Entering the dimly lit venue is like stepping back in time, with tuxedoed waiters and glittering chandeliers bringing a touch of old world glamor, film reels showcasing clips of the tango greats and dazzling costumes and performances by some of the city’s most talented dancers.
Address: El Querandi, Monserrat, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Admission: Only Show: $55, Dinner and Show: $125, VIP Dinner Show: $230
From $ 30
El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center
El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center, a small museum in El Calafate, covers a big chunk of history — 100 million years of history. Recently renovated, the museum provides an excellent introduction to the natural and human history of southern Patagonia from the time it was formed through to today.
The collection, divided into five rooms, includes fossilized skeletons of dinosaurs and mega mammals found in the area, as well as recreations of prehistoric cave paintings and collections of objects, tools and relics from the native Aonikenk culture and colonizers who showed up later.
Practical Info
Plan to spend an hour or so at the Interpretation Center at the start of your visit, as it will give you a better appreciation for the rest of your time in Patagonia.
Address: Av. Brown and G. Bonmelli, El Calafate, Argentina
Hours: Open daily Sept-Apr 10am-8pm; May-Aug 11am-5pm Wed-Mon
Admission: AR$95
From $ 11
El Panecillo
Squint south towards the old town from Quito center and you can’t miss El Panecillo, a hill that does indeed resemble a panecillo (bread roll), and the statue of the Virgin Mary standing on top.
At 9,895 feet (3,016 meters) above sea level, El Panecillo is Quito’s most popular lookout, affording 360-degree views over the city. On a clear morning (and mornings are the best time for cloud-free views in Quito) you can even see as far as Cotopaxi’s distinctive volcano.
The aluminum statue of the Virgin Mary was introduced to the Panecillo in 1976 and was inspired by the Virgen de Quito (Quito’s Madonna), which can be seen in the Church of St. Francisco.
Practical Info
The stairway to El Panecillo is a popular spot with muggers. Arrange for a cab to take you and wait while you visit the lookout.
Address: El Panecillo, Old Town, Quito, Ecuador
Hours: Open daily. Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm, weekends: 9am - 5pm
Admission: Grounds Admission: US$1, Admission to the Top: US$2
From $ 15
El Rodadero Aquarium
The Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum (Acuario y Museo del Mar del Rodadero) is a public aquarium and marine museum located in the Inca Inca Cove off the El Rodadero beach in Santa Marta that has been operating for almost 50 years. The aquarium is a quick 10 minute boat ride from the El Rodadero beach.
The aquarium’s 13 pools have a direct connection to the Caribbean Sea and the 15 glass aquariums house over 800 sea animals, the majority native to the area. Visitors can see sharks, sea turtles, shrimp, sea horses, triggerfish, snappers, cojinoas, groupers, tarpon, turtles, lobsters, manta rays, anemones and more.
There are three dolphin and sea lions shows a day. Visitors can also swim with or get their photo taken with dolphins. The Aquarium also has a museum with a permanent collection that exhibits shark jaws, shell collections and nautical equipment, as well as an exhibition that focuses on the pre-Columbian culture of the indigenous Tayrona and their connection to the sea.
The aquarium’s 13 pools have a direct connection to the Caribbean Sea and the 15 glass aquariums house over 800 sea animals, the majority native to the area. Visitors can see sharks, sea turtles, shrimp, sea horses, triggerfish, snappers, cojinoas, groupers, tarpon, turtles, lobsters, manta rays, anemones and more.
There are three dolphin and sea lions shows a day. Visitors can also swim with or get their photo taken with dolphins. The Aquarium also has a museum with a permanent collection that exhibits shark jaws, shell collections and nautical equipment, as well as an exhibition that focuses on the pre-Columbian culture of the indigenous Tayrona and their connection to the sea.
Practical Info
Boats to the aquarium can be found near the hotels at the southern end of the El Rodadero beach in Santa Marta. They leave between 9 and 9:30 in the morning. Guided tours are offered that provide transportation, tickets to enter and a visit to nearby Playa Blanca. Boats return at around 4:00 pm.
Address: Colombia
From $ 39
El Picacho
El Picacho Mountain, located within the relatively new Parque Naciones Unidas El Picacho, is famous for the 65-foot (20-meter) tall statue of Christ the Redeemer at its peak. Visible from almost anywhere in Tegucigalpa, the statue has been watching over the city since it was erected in 1997. An old white-lettered Coca-Cola sign on the side of the hill has led to the nickname “Coca-Cola Christ” among the less religiously inclined residents of the city.
A fairly easy walk to the top brings visitors past a small zoo, but the main reason to make the journey is for the panoramic views of Tegus from the top.
Practical Info
The park entrance is located 3 miles (5 kilometers) north of downtown. The easiest way to get here is by taxi.
Address: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Hours: 7am to 4pm
Admission: L20
From $ 50
Don Silvano Ranch
Don Silvano Ranch (Estancia Don Silvano in Spanish) sits on the pampas outside the Argentine capital. A day trip to this ranch gives visitors a glimpse into the history, heritage and traditions of Argentina’s cowboys, or gauchos, who worked as cattle herders and have become famous for their impressive skills on horseback.
A typical visit to Don Silvano Ranch begins with an Argentine-style welcome — empanadas and wine — followed by a tour of the estancia, including its small museum and bakery. Guests can explore the surrounding countryside on horseback, play a game of bocce ball or explore the ranch on foot.
In the pampas, lunch takes the form of a gaucho-style barbecue. Ranch guests fill up on various meats cooked over an open flame and washed down with Malbec. Folk singers and dancers entertain during the meal. In the afternoon, guests are treated to a gaucho show, where the estancia cattle herders show off their skills on horseback. The afternoon draws to a close with a cup of mate, a typical Argentine tea, served with pastries.
Address: Ruta 8 Km 87,300, Capilla del Señor, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 85
El Misti
Also known as Guagua-Putina, this stratovolcano is located in southern Peru, 11 miles from Arequipa, and stands at 19,101 feet above sea level. The volcano features a symmetric conical shape, characteristic of rotating layers of lava and debris from eruptions. El Misti’s last eruption was in 1985, and is now a popular climbing attraction.
There are two main routes, including the Pastores route and the Aguada Blanca route. Pastores is the more popular choice, as it’s closer to Arequipa. It starts at 10,800 feet, with an overnight stop usually being made at Nido de Aguilas around 14,800 feet. The Aguada Blanca route begins at Monte Blanco camp at 15,700 feet. At the top, you’ll find a large iron cross standing 33 feet tall, which was erected in 1901. While neither climb is particularly technical, both require peak fitness due to the steep sand slopes. These excursions are best done between July and November when the climate is most favorable for climbing.
There are two main routes, including the Pastores route and the Aguada Blanca route. Pastores is the more popular choice, as it’s closer to Arequipa. It starts at 10,800 feet, with an overnight stop usually being made at Nido de Aguilas around 14,800 feet. The Aguada Blanca route begins at Monte Blanco camp at 15,700 feet. At the top, you’ll find a large iron cross standing 33 feet tall, which was erected in 1901. While neither climb is particularly technical, both require peak fitness due to the steep sand slopes. These excursions are best done between July and November when the climate is most favorable for climbing.
Address: Arequipa, Peru
From $ 15
Domaine Bousquet
This winery that grows organic grapes is easily accessible from Mendoza, in the Uco Valley, with the closest town being diminutive Tupungato. Domaine Bosquet dates to the 1990s when the Bosquet family, with a long history of winemaking in their native southern France, came to Mendoza. They eventually bought land in 1998 at the current location, where they grow grapes at approximately 1,200 meters in altitude, which makes it one of the highest altitude wineries in Mendoza and in the world. Much of the harvest is done by hand, and Domain Bousquet prides itself on combining French and Argentine traditions.
The winery has a capacity of 2.5 million liters, divided among Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, a sweet Malbec and a sparkling wine. The grapes are certified organic, and the Domaine Bosquet has been certified as fair trade as well. They offer four different types of tastings, including one that is all Malbec, and another that gives samples from the various lines, such as Reserve or Grand Reserve.
Practical Info
There is a restaurant on site serving organic foods in taster menus (with vegetarian and celiac options available), and there is a small inn onsite with apartments or suites for overnight guests, and the winery also offers cooking classes.
Address: Ruta 89 Km. 7, Tupungato, Mendoza 5561, Argentina
Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm
Saturday-Sunday 11am-9pm
From $ 200
El Prado
El Prado is a residential neighborhood of Montevideo that features beautiful historic homes and manicured, tree-lined streets. The area includes the former presidential residence, Montevideo’s main park area, the Juan Manuel Blanes Museum and three soccer stadiums.
Parque del Prado is a peaceful spot for residents of Montevideo, as Miguelete Creek flows through the park and the expansive 102-acre (41-hectare) grounds feature a rose garden, botanical garden, fountains and monuments. The botanical garden contains over 1,000 plant species and is the only one of its kind in Uruguay. The rose garden includes imported roses from France and was designed by French landscape architect Charles Recine. Hotel del Prado, built in the French neoclassical style, sits within Parque del Prado’s grounds and serves as a tea house and meeting room today.
What was once the official presidential palace (from 1947 to 2005) is today a shelter for homeless people. The most recent presidents did not move into the residence, with José Mujica (inaugurated in 2010) securing an agreement to let homeless people move in.
The Juan Manuel Blanes Museum is also called the Museum of Fine Arts and celebrates the famous Uruguayan painter. The museum grounds also include a beautiful Japanese garden.
Bella Vista Athletic Club (José Nasazzi Park), River Plate Athletic Club (Federico Saroldi Park) and Montevideo Wanderers (Alfredo V. Viera Park) are the soccer clubs that play within the El Prado neighborhood.
Practical Info
El Prado borders La Teja to the west, Belvedere to the northwest, Peso de las Duranas to the north, Aires Puros to the northeast, Atahualpa to the east and Bella Vista to the south.
Address: Montevideo, Uruguay
From $ 32
El Mozote Monument
December 11, 1981, is a day El Salvador will never forget. That was the day when American trained soldiers marched into the town of Mozote, and massacred over 800 civilians—half of which were children. As part of El Salvador’s brutal Civil War, the massacre was simply written off as a tragic byproduct of conflict, where leftist guerrillas must be suppressed, regardless of what it might cost. Today, the world has come to realize the slaughter was only of innocent civilians, and had no bearing, and nothing to do with, the rebels the government was fighting. When touring El Mozote Monument today, hear the stories of the lone survivor who escaped the village alive, and see the church where dozens fled just be to shot while inside. Outside the church is a powerful memorial with the names of those who were killed, and a silhouette statue of a family holding hands that rests in the “Garden of the Innocents.” A second memorial sits atop a hill just half a mile from town, where the same silhouette of the family holding hands is which looks out over the forests and valleys that housed such senseless slaughter.
Practical Info
While there is no cost to visit the memorials, it’s suggested to hire local guides who provide insight and personal stories, as well as purchase some of the crafts the villagers sell from their stalls. Reaching El Mozote requires a long, arduous drive, but is worth the effort for the dose of perspective you find when you trek all the way out here.
Address: Plaza de El Mozote, El Mozote, El Salvador
From $ 185
El Morado Natural Monument
El Morado is the name given to one of the most popular hikes in Cajón de Maipo, an area that follows a narrow river valley south east of the city, heading up towards the Andes, and to Argentina. Along this serpentine road, there are loads of places to stop and eat everything from full meals to a traditional coffee and kuchen (German-style fruit pastry), and in the plaza in San José del Maipo (the main town), there are always handicrafts for sale.
But further up the valley is the entrance to El Morado, a wide open uphill hike on which you can see the many striations of natural coloration in the rock, from red to brown to green and yellow. If you continue up, you arrive at the San Francisco Lagoon and Glacier. For those who have never seen a glacier before, it’s a stunning sight, and though you’ll probably want to dip a hand or foot in the milky glacial lagoon below just to say you did, you’ll probably quickly step away, as the water is at near freezing point. When the ice of the San Franciso Glacier is stable, you may see people climbing it, though it goes without saying that that is only for well-equipped experts.
Possible animal sightings here include many different types of birds including a giant hummingbird and some small mammals such as the small, burrowing herbivorous coruro, that looks a bit like a prairie dog.
Practical Info
The El Morado hike and glacier are in an area that is very exposed to harsh weather such as wind and snow. Be sure to go with a qualified guide and be prepared for a very sunny walk, with SPF clothing and good quality sunglasses. There can be snow up on this hike until late December, and the sunlight reflected off the snow is very bright.
Address: Santiago, Chile
From $ 110
Easter Island
Known officially as Rapa Nui, chances are you know this Polynesian island in the South Pacific as Easter Island (or Isla de Pascua in Spanish). The island was annexed by Chile in 1888, and today is one of the world’s most fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites, mostly due to its mysterious past.
The isolated island was named “Easter Island” by Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen, who first saw the island on Easter Sunday in the year 1722. Today, Easter Island is best known for the hundreds of gigantic stone statues that are lined up all around the coast. These surviving statues – called moai – are some of the only remains of the island’s native inhabitants. Most were thought to have died off more than 150 years ago due to the slave trade and disease brought to the island by European colonizers.
Today, the moai are by far the most popular reason for travelers to visit Easter Island. Much like Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids at Giza, archaeologists are not entirely sure how the moai were transported to their final locations, which makes these big-headed statues all the more interesting.
But driving/hiking around to see the moai aren’t the only things to do here. Visitors can also expect to find many archaeological sites scattered all around the island (many near the burial grounds that the moai are associated with), as well as volcanic craters, caves, white-sand beaches suitable for surfing, snorkeling and even scuba diving.
The isolated island was named “Easter Island” by Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen, who first saw the island on Easter Sunday in the year 1722. Today, Easter Island is best known for the hundreds of gigantic stone statues that are lined up all around the coast. These surviving statues – called moai – are some of the only remains of the island’s native inhabitants. Most were thought to have died off more than 150 years ago due to the slave trade and disease brought to the island by European colonizers.
Today, the moai are by far the most popular reason for travelers to visit Easter Island. Much like Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids at Giza, archaeologists are not entirely sure how the moai were transported to their final locations, which makes these big-headed statues all the more interesting.
But driving/hiking around to see the moai aren’t the only things to do here. Visitors can also expect to find many archaeological sites scattered all around the island (many near the burial grounds that the moai are associated with), as well as volcanic craters, caves, white-sand beaches suitable for surfing, snorkeling and even scuba diving.
Address: Chile
From $ 63
El Bolson
El Bolsón is a town in the southwest section of the Rio Negro province of Argentina. Despite its southern location, it has an unusually mild climate due to the valleys towards Chile and the Pacific Ocean. The town was originally settled by German immigrants, and in the 1970s, hippies from Buenos Aires moved there. Today El Bolsón's economy is based on tourism. Visitors come to see the outdoor artisan market, and to participate in activities such as fly fishing, trekking, rafting, climbing, and other outdoor activities in the surrounding lakes and mountains. There is also a significant production of cheeses, smoked trout, locally brewed beer, regional chocolates and ice cream, as well as organic and wild crafted jams and preserves. North of El Bolsón is the Rio Azul Natural Protected Area, which forms part of the world's largest UNESCO Temperate Biosphere Reserve and has trails for tourists throughout the mountains.
El Bolsón is a very environmentally-friendly town. It has been declared a non-nuclear zone and an ecological municipality. It's an excellent place for hiking and enjoying nature. Visitors often appreciate the down to earth atmosphere, which is in contrast to the commercialism of Bariloche.
Practical Info
El Bolsón is located about 76 miles south of Bariloche. The journey takes about two hours by bus. There are flights from Barlioche, though they are not frequent.
Address: El Bolsón, Río Negro Province, Argentina
From $ 74
El Chalten
A magnet for hikers and lovers of mountains, the village of El Chalten is flanked by the snowcapped peaks of the mighty Fitz Roy mountain range.
Mountaineers come from around the world to climb the 3440m (1,1283-feet) Fitz Roy peak, while hikers follow mountain trails to backcountry campsites and hilltop lakes.
El Chalten is not only a climbing and hiking hub, it’s also Argentina’s newest town, founded on October 12, 1985. The isolated little town takes great pride in its pristine surroundings and natural environment.
The hiking season is December to March. Rug up, as even in summer the peaks can be covered in cloud and it can feel like a cold and wet winter’s day. Due to the increasingly wintery weather, the town shuts down from April to October.
Depending on your level of hiking experience, you can hike to the Fitz Roy lookout in under two hours, or to the blue waters of Lake Capri. Other moderate hikes include Chorrillo del Salto and Piedra del Fraile.
Longer hikes up to four hours each way wind to the Rio Blanco waterway, Laguna de los Tres and the Maestri lookout. Guided walks for advanced climbers take to the glacier for ice climbing.
Mountaineers come from around the world to climb the 3440m (1,1283-feet) Fitz Roy peak, while hikers follow mountain trails to backcountry campsites and hilltop lakes.
El Chalten is not only a climbing and hiking hub, it’s also Argentina’s newest town, founded on October 12, 1985. The isolated little town takes great pride in its pristine surroundings and natural environment.
The hiking season is December to March. Rug up, as even in summer the peaks can be covered in cloud and it can feel like a cold and wet winter’s day. Due to the increasingly wintery weather, the town shuts down from April to October.
Depending on your level of hiking experience, you can hike to the Fitz Roy lookout in under two hours, or to the blue waters of Lake Capri. Other moderate hikes include Chorrillo del Salto and Piedra del Fraile.
Longer hikes up to four hours each way wind to the Rio Blanco waterway, Laguna de los Tres and the Maestri lookout. Guided walks for advanced climbers take to the glacier for ice climbing.
Practical Info
El Chalten is in Santa Cruz Province, beside the Vueltas River in Los Glaciares National Park. El Calafate is 220km (136 miles) away to the south.
Address: Argentina
From $ 616
El Monumental Stadium
The Basics
Few activities whip Argentines into a frenzy like a football (soccer) match, and watching local team River Plate—one of the country’s top teams—playing at their home stadium is an experience like no other. Football fans can also explore behind the scenes on a guided stadium tour, including the press conference room, training field, and trophy hall, or even combine it with a guided stadium tour of La Bombonera.
The stadium is also home to the River Plate Museum, a huge sporting museum with a 360-degree movie theater, multimedia exhibitions, and displays of trophies, original uniforms, and club memorabilia.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is a café and gift shop on-site, and game-day visitors have many more food options.
- Stadium tours typically include entrance to the museum.
- The stadium and museum are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to There
El Monumental Stadium is located in the Belgrano district of Buenos Aires. The closest metro station is Congreso de Tucumán (Line D), about 20 minutes’ walk away. Several buses (colectivos) pass the stadium, including No. 29, which runs from Plaza de Mayo and No. 15 from Avenida Santa Fé in Palermo. An easier option is to take a taxi or opt for a tour with hotel pickup and drop-off.
When to Get There
The main football seasons in Buenos Aires run from August to December, and February to July. Most matches are held on weekends, or occasionally on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. Unless you’re attending a game, it’s best to avoid visiting on match days when the stadium will be overrun with crowds.
Memorable Events at El Monumental Stadium
Built in 1937, El Monumental Stadium boasts an illustrious history, hosting many of the nation’s most prominent sporting events, including the 1978 World Cup finals and the First Pan American Games in 1951. The 75,000-capacity stadium is also used as a concert venue for international artists. Performers who have taken the stage here include Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, the Rolling Stones, U2, and Madonna.
Address: Av Pres Figueroa Alcorta 7597, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Admission: Varies
From $ 14