Choose from 1,039 Fun Things to Do in Central And South America
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Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works
Now an eerie ghost town marooned on the arid plains of the Atacama Desert, it’s hard to believe that the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works were once home to a thriving
community of miners. The historic refineries were in use from 1880 to 1960, and served as the epicenter of Chile’s once hugely profitable saltpeter (sodium nitrate) mining industry.
The long-abandoned sites are now protected as UNESCO World Heritage sites and offer a fascinating insight into Chile’s history and heritage. Visitors can explore the restored buildings; peek inside the workers’ quarters, church and school; and learn about local life at the small museum, before seeing the old processing plants, mine shafts and mining equipment.
Practical Info
The Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works are located in Tarapacá, North Chile, 45km east of Iquique, and are open daily from 9am – 7pm. Admission is C$3,000.
Address: km47 A-16, Tarapacá, Chile
Hours: Daily: 9am – 7pm
Admission: C$3,000
From $ 68
Huallamarca (Pan de Azucar)
A gigantic adobe pyramid set amidst the office blocks and residential apartments of San Isidro financial district, the archeological site of Huallamarca stands in startling contrast to its surroundings. Also known as the Pan de Azucar (Sugar Loaf), after the farmlands that once covered the ruins, the existing structure has been extensively rebuilt and restored, but was originally constructed as a sacred burial temple, or ‘Huaca’, between 200 and 500 CE.
Although much of the site’s long history remains shrouded in mystery, the Huaca Huallamarca is believed to have served a number of roles over the years, from pre-Columbian burial site to Inca settlement. Today, visitors can climb to the pyramid’s upper platform where the views expand over San Isidro or explore the on-site museum, which displays a number of items excavated from the site, including Ichma ceramics, funerary masks, musical instruments, weaving equipment and even a well-preserved mummy, as well as an exhibition dedicated to Peruvian archaeologist Arturo Jimenez Borja.
Address: Calle Choquehuanca, Lima, Peru
From $ 70
Huechulafquen Lake
To the native Mapuche of Argentina’s Andes, the name Huechulafquen means “long lake.” It’s an apt title for this azure spectacle that stretches for 18 miles, and is officially the largest of the 24 lakes in Lanin National Park. Next to the lake, on the northern shore, the conical, snowcapped Lanin volcano rises 12,293 feet into the blue Andean sky. In spring, summer, and early fall, thousands of visitors flock to the lake for camping, hiking, and staging attempts on the dormant volcano’s summit. There are boats for hire at Puerto Canoa and scenic lakeshore cruises, and the fly-fishing in the neighboring Chimehuin River is among the best in the world. A mile and half past Puerto Canoa, visitors will find scenic Piedra Mala and a protected corner of the lake. Walking trails lead towards Lake Paimun and El Salitillo waterfall, and the epic, Andean, mountains vistas are a highlight of both Lanin National Park and San Martin de los Andes.
Practical Info
Following Route 234 and then 61, Huechulafquen Lake is located 37 miles from San Martin de los Andes and 18 miles from Junin de los Andes. There’s an official ranger station and visitor center when you reach the shore of the lake, where an entrance fee of approximately $9 usually applies for foreign visitors.
Address: Neuquén Province, Argentina
From $ 144
Hippodrome
From the nomadic gauchos of the Pampas to the skilled champions of polo, Argentina boasts an illustrious equestrian history that draws horse lovers from all over the world. One of Buenos Aires’ principal equestrian venues is the Hippodrome race ground, located in the central Palermo district off Libertador Avenue, where weekly races are held on the 2.4 km track.
Although inaugurated in 1876, the elegant Hippodrome was remodeled in the early 20th-century, with French architect Faure Dujarric refashioning the entrance hall and 2000-capacity grandstand in an ornate Art Nouveau style. The magnificent building is now a popular haunt for both locals and tourists, most notably during mid November, when the Grand National, or the Argentine Derby, draws in large crowds.
Around 10 races are held at the Hippodrome each month so there are plenty of opportunities to experience the excitement of a live event. Don’t fancy splashing some cash? The Hippodrome complex also features a lavish underground casino, an art exhibition space, shopping mall and an array of top restaurants and bistros to keep non-betting visitors entertained.
Although inaugurated in 1876, the elegant Hippodrome was remodeled in the early 20th-century, with French architect Faure Dujarric refashioning the entrance hall and 2000-capacity grandstand in an ornate Art Nouveau style. The magnificent building is now a popular haunt for both locals and tourists, most notably during mid November, when the Grand National, or the Argentine Derby, draws in large crowds.
Around 10 races are held at the Hippodrome each month so there are plenty of opportunities to experience the excitement of a live event. Don’t fancy splashing some cash? The Hippodrome complex also features a lavish underground casino, an art exhibition space, shopping mall and an array of top restaurants and bistros to keep non-betting visitors entertained.
Address: Avenida del Libertador 4101, Buenos Aires, Palermo, Argentina
From $ 35
Iglesia de la Merced
There are several churches in Granada to visit, but the Iglesia de la Merced (not far from Central Park) is noted by many as the city's most beautiful. The church on this site dates from the early 16th century, although it has been damaged twice (to the point of nearly-complete destruction once) and rebuilt, most recently in the 1860s. The present look of the interior is from the most recent reconstruction, while the Baroque facade was added in the 1780s.
Anyone can enjoy a stroll through La Merced church, but the best reason to go is to climb the church's lone bell tower for commanding views of the city center. You will be able to explore the church itself for free, but there is a small admission charge to climb up into the tower. Note that you may need to find a caretaker to gain access to the tower stairs, which are generally open from 10am-6pm on most days, and those who are claustrophobic should be aware it's a narrow spiral staircase to the top.
Anyone can enjoy a stroll through La Merced church, but the best reason to go is to climb the church's lone bell tower for commanding views of the city center. You will be able to explore the church itself for free, but there is a small admission charge to climb up into the tower. Note that you may need to find a caretaker to gain access to the tower stairs, which are generally open from 10am-6pm on most days, and those who are claustrophobic should be aware it's a narrow spiral staircase to the top.
Address: Calle Real Xalteva, Granada, Nicaragua
From $ 54
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Located four miles south from the shores of Ambergris Caye, Hol Chan Marine Reserve is the most visited snorkeling and diving area in Belize. Part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the reserve covers approximately three square miles and is divided into various zones according to marine habitat. The most popular zone is called Hol Chan or “small channel” in Maya -- a 30-foot deep “cut” in the reef where all sorts of marine life have now gathered in one area, making it one giant aquarium. The channel has beautiful live corals and an abundant variety of fish that includes angelfish, turtles, nurse sharks, hog fish, snappers and many other species.
The second most popular zone of the reserve is Shark Ray Alley, a shallower area where nurse sharks and stingrays are plentiful. Grass beds and mangrove areas make up the other zones of the reserve and require a more personalized expert guide -- and while less visited, these areas provide for unique spotting opportunities, including manatees. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is constantly patrolled and visitors are obligated by law to observe its rules, such as no touching or standing on corals. The reserve has an informative and worthwhile Visitors’ Center in town with clear displays of the various marine habitats in Belize.
The second most popular zone of the reserve is Shark Ray Alley, a shallower area where nurse sharks and stingrays are plentiful. Grass beds and mangrove areas make up the other zones of the reserve and require a more personalized expert guide -- and while less visited, these areas provide for unique spotting opportunities, including manatees. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is constantly patrolled and visitors are obligated by law to observe its rules, such as no touching or standing on corals. The reserve has an informative and worthwhile Visitors’ Center in town with clear displays of the various marine habitats in Belize.
Address: Ambergris Caye, Belize
Admission: BZ$20 or US$10
From $ 60
Huaca Pucllana
The modern city of Lima is dotted with historic ruins and sacred sites, known as huacas, and the imposing archeological site of Huaca Pucllana is one of the city’s largest and most important ancient monuments, located in the coastal Miraflores district. Built around 500 A.D, the complex was once an administrative and ceremonial center of the indigenous Lima Culture civilization, constructed from hand-made adobe bricks and dominated by a 22-meter tall central pyramid.
The impressive pre-Incan ruins are now a popular tourist attraction, affording unique views from the top of the central mound and dramatically floodlit in the evening hours. There’s also an on-site museum displaying artifacts like tools, ceramics and textiles unearthed during excavations, a workshop area displaying ancient textile and ceramic making techniques, a small park growing key plants used by the Lima Culture people and a spectacularly sited restaurant that looks out over the ruins.
Address: Calle General Borgoño cuadra 8 S/n, Lima, Peru
From $ 26
Hot Park
As Brazil’s biggest water park and the world’s only hydrothermal water park, the aptly named Hot Park is the star attraction of the Rio Quente Resorts. The family friendly park features a gigantic swimming pool and beach, wave pools and water slides reaching up to 110-meters long, alongside a lazy river, swings and mini slides for younger kids.
For thrill-seekers, the main highlights include the 35-meter-high Xpirado water slide, Brazil’s first-ever water half pipe and the water zip-line. That’s not all: there’s also a tree-top walkway, mini-golf, a fishing lake and a surf school, plus opportunities to try rappelling, scuba diving and kayaking.
Practical Info
The Hot Park is part of the Rio Quente resorts located just north of downtown Rio Quente and is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm. Admission fees start from R$110.00 for adults and R$90 for children.
Address: Complexo Turistico Rio Quente Resorts, Rua Particular, Esplanada do Rio Quente, Rio Quente 75695-000, Brazil
Hours: Daily: 9:30am to 5pm
Admission: Adult: from R$110.00, Child: from R$90
From $ 32
Historic Centre of Lima
Stretching between the Plaza de Armas and Plaza San Martin, and bisected by the principal boulevard of Jirón de la Unión, the historic center of Lima is still the focal point of the modern-day city. Today, the UNESCO-listed area forms the basis of most tourist itineraries, with the majority of attractions within easy walking distance and a wealth of elegant buildings, churches and monumental statues dating back to the colonial era.
The Plaza de Armas makes a popular starting point for walking tours, home to a cluster of landmarks including the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Palace (City Hall) and the Palace of the Union, as well as a bronze fountain bearing the coats-of-arms of Lima. Famously the site of the foundation of the ‘City of the Kings’ in 1535, the Plaza de Armas became the city’s first public square and was later the site of the declaration of the Republic of Peru in 1821.
Next, visit the grand Cathedral of Lima, home to Pizarro's tomb and a Museum of Colonial Art; stroll around the lively Central Market and neighboring Barrio Chino (Chinatown); then discover the remains of the colonial city walls in the nearby Parque Universitario. Additional highlights of the historic center include the Hotel Bolivar, Lima’s oldest Hotel, the 17th century Monasterio de San Francisco, the ornate Archbishop's Palace and the well preserved Church and Convent of Santo Domingo.
Address: Lima, Peru
From $ 29
Hotel Unique
With its striking crescent shape, Sao Paulo’s iconic Hotel Unique has been said to look like many things — a copper half-moon, the hull of a ship...but locals just call it “the watermelon.” Designed by the Brazilian-Japanese architect Ruy Ohtake and renovated in late 2012, the luxury 95-room hotel has won numerous design awards. Critic Paul Goldberger even hailed the building as one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
Based in Jardim Paulista near Sao Paulo’s version of Central Park, Ibirapuera, inside Hotel Unique it’s all high ceilings and quirky touches like the huge blue cushion that is the lobby’s sitting area.
The hotel even has a water slide for grown-ups, and there's a crimson rooftop pool next to the Skye rooftop bar and restaurant: here you can sip a caipirinha or a wasabi martini, dine on French-Brazilian fusion food, and look out across Sao Paulo from one of the most fashionable spots in the city.
Practical Info
On Avenida Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, Hotel Unique is in Sao Paulo's exclusive Jardins district.
Address: 4700 Avenida Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, Sao Paulo, Brazil
From $ 195
Hill of Glory (Cerro de la Gloria)
A 14-ton bronze national monument atop the steps of the Hill of Glory pays tribute to the Army of the Andres battle for liberation, which freed Argentina, Chile and Peru from Spanish rule in the early 19th century. Travelers can wander the crooked path through San Martin Park, past a Greek theater and soccer stadium, to this historic monument, which was designed by a Uruguayan artist and is a recognized part of the urban skyline.
Stones for this iconic memorial were trekked in from the Uspallata area of the Mendoza Mountains. Life-like images depicting struggles, victories and historic moments are etched into the sides of the Hill of Glory, but it’s the massive statues of brave soldiers perched atop the towering rocks that make this piece of public art so noteworthy.
Practical Info
Travelers must enter through San Martin Park—one of the city’s most famous green areas—in order to access the Hill of Glory.
Address: Cerro de la Gloria, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Daily
From $ 16
Hanga Roa
As Easter Island’s sole town and home to its only airport, Hanga Roa is the obvious starting point for visitors to the island. Despite its diminutive size—about 5,000 residents call Hanga Roa home—it’s still the focal point of local life. Almost all of the island's hotels, restaurants, shops and tourist services can be found here, but the town is also conveniently situated for visiting all of the island’s top attractions.
As well as strolling around the bustling fishing ports, browsing the artisan crafts market and swimming or surfing at the nearby Pea beach, there are also number of moai dotted around Hanga Roa, including the ceremonial platforms of Ahu Riata and Ahu Tautira, as well as the hugely popular moai of Tahai, just up the coast.
Practical Info
Hanga Roa is located on the northwestern coast of Easter Island and is home to the island’s only airport, connected by regular flights to mainland Chile.
Address: Hanga Roa, Easter Island, Chile
From $ 63
Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaíso
UNESCO declared the historic part of Valparaíso a world heritage site in 2003, and when you get here, you won’t wonder why. It’s been called the Jewel of the Pacific, or Chile’s version of San Francisco, but there’s really no comparing it to anyplace you’ve ever been, and you’ll just have to come see it yourself.
The city is split into two main parts, the first of these being the “plan” or flat section, where you’ll find the port, the bus station, the market, and pleasant Muelle Barón (a pier) where you can sit and enjoy the view of the water. The second part, the more eye-catching bit, is the series of hills on which most of Porteños live. There are lively (and connected) Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción, where there are cafés and restaurants and places to stay, and the Paseo Gervasoni where some of the best views are had. Of course, you could walk up the hills, or for about fifty cents (or less), take one of the acensores (as the funiculars are also called) that will take you up top. Getting down is easier, just walk toward the water.
Practical Info
Though you can take a driving tour of the city, it is best seen on foot, as many of the murals and brightly colored houses and staircases are best appreciated from street level. Wear sturdy shoes and treat yourself to a snack with a view when it’s time for a rest.
Address: Valparaiso, Chile
From $ 18
Ibirapuera Park
Sao Paulo’s version of NYC’s Central Park, leafy Ibirapuera Park was opened on the 400th anniversary of the city, in 1954, and it’s known as much for its museums and music hall as it is for its jogging and cycling paths by the lake.
The park buildings were designed by the modernist Oscar Niemeyer, known for designing Brasília’s public buildings. Covering 2 square km, Ibirapuera is the largest park in central Sao Paulo and the second largest in the city. Designed by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, there are 13 playing courts and playgrounds on the lawn. Come on a Sunday morning to enjoy a free outdoor concert in the Praça da Paz. Another nice Sunday touch is the Bosque de Leitura — a free outdoor lending library where you can borrow books and magazines (many of which are in English) to read in the park for the day.
Near Gate 3, it’s worth visiting the Museum of Modern Art (MAM). Here you can see Miros, Picassos, and important contemporary Brazilian works. Nearby, there’s the excellent Afro-Brazil Museum at the spacious Manoel da Nóbrega Pavilion — opened in 2004, it’s dedicated to showcasing the cultural achievements of Africans in Brazil. In January and July each year, the Biennial Pavilion hosts São Paulo Fashion Week and trade shows and biennials throughout the year. Sao Paulo has the world’s largest Japanese population outside Japan, so it’s also worth visiting the Japanese Pavilion — an exhibition hall in Ibirapuera Park that shows Japanese art and has its own tea room and Japanese garden where you can feed the carp.
Practical Info
The nearest metro to Ibirapuera Park is Brigadeiro (Green Line). You can rent a bike in the park for R$6 per hour. The park museums are closed on Mondays.
Address: Av Pedro Alvares Cabral, Sao Paulo, Brazil
From $ 19
Huanano Falls
Huanano Falls, located in San Jeronimo de Surco about two hours outside of Lima, is one of the most popular destinations near the capital for trekking and repelling. The trek to the waterfall begins in Surco and takes around one to two hours. Along the way, the well-marked trail passes a few stone ruins left by early settlers to the area.
Upon arrival at Huanano Falls, some trekkers chose to go for a swim at the base or simply relax and enjoy the view. But adrenaline junkies come here for the chance to repel down the 100-foot (30-meter) face of the waterfall.
Practical Info
It’s possible to hike to the falls on your own, but if you want to repel, you’ll need to go via a tour who can provide the proper equipment.
Address: San Jeronimo de Surco, Peru
From $ 110
Iglesia and Museo de San Francisco
The Iglesia and Museo de San Francisco is a spectacular example of Moorish-inspired Spanish baroque colonial grandeur, but the real highlight is the spooky labyrinth of catacombs underground.
One of the best preserved churches in Lima, the Convent of San Francis of Assisi also has a remarkable library of antique texts and a tranquil cloistered garden.
A guided visit to the Museum and Convent takes you through the buildings’ history and architecture, before venturing into the underground passages lined with the bones of 25,000 Lima citizens from over 200 years of burials.
Bones were interred here until 1808, when Lima’s cemetery was established, and the catacombs lay undiscovered until 1943. A visit is not for the fainthearted, but those who do make the journey will be surprised to see the various skulls and thigh bones arranged in decorative patterns.
On the tour you’ll also visit the library of antique books, the pretty cloister, the museum of religious paintings and artifacts, the carved choir stalls and the Moorish-domed church.
One of the best preserved churches in Lima, the Convent of San Francis of Assisi also has a remarkable library of antique texts and a tranquil cloistered garden.
A guided visit to the Museum and Convent takes you through the buildings’ history and architecture, before venturing into the underground passages lined with the bones of 25,000 Lima citizens from over 200 years of burials.
Bones were interred here until 1808, when Lima’s cemetery was established, and the catacombs lay undiscovered until 1943. A visit is not for the fainthearted, but those who do make the journey will be surprised to see the various skulls and thigh bones arranged in decorative patterns.
On the tour you’ll also visit the library of antique books, the pretty cloister, the museum of religious paintings and artifacts, the carved choir stalls and the Moorish-domed church.
Practical Info
The Iglesia and Museo de San Francisco is a block or two northeast of Lima’s cathedral, near the train station.
Address: Plaza San Francisco, Lima, Peru
Hours: Open daily 9:30am - 5:30pm
Admission: Adults: 7 Nuevos Soles
From $ 26
Historic Centre of Arequipa
Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city, gets its nickname “La Ciudad Blana,” or “The White City,” from its central historic district built almost entirely from a porous, white volcanic stone known as sillar. The UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Arequipa, founded in 1540 by a group of Spanish conquistadores, is dotted with colonial churches, plazas and mansions that blend European and indigenous architectural styles.
At the heart of the district is Plaza de Armas, considered one of Peru’s most beautiful plazas and the site of the city’s most important buildings, including City Hall, the old Jesuit Iglesia de la Compañía and the neo-renaissance Cathedral. The Monasterio de Santa Catalina, a Dominican convent founded in 1579 and one of Arequipa’s most worthwhile sites, is also located in the historic centre.
Practical Info
The Historic Centre of Arequipa is compact and walkable, and it has enough attractions, shops and restaurants to easily fill up an entire day of sightseeing.
Address: Arequipa, Peru
From $ 9
Huayna Potosí
Heading north of the capital into the highlands, it’s impossible to miss the snow-white crest of Huayna Potosí, one of the highest peaks of the Cordillera Real mountain range and the closest mountain to La Paz. One of the country’s most popular destinations for hikers and climbers, Huayna Potosí is renowned as one of the most accessible of Bolivia’s high-altitude summits and makes an ideal climb for less experienced mountaineers.
Around 1,000 climbers make it to the summit of Huayna Potosí each year following the two-day standard route and the relatively straightforward glacier climb is often attempted by beginners with the help of an expert guide. But while it’s a achievable goal, scaling the dizzying heights of the summit is no easy feat, with the 6,088-meter peak requiring careful acclimatization and the steep ascent up the final cliff demanding a good level of fitness.
Experienced thrill-seekers can also tackle the notorious Huayna Potosí West Face, the biggest cliff face in Bolivia, while non-climbers can still soak up the scenery around the iconic mount with a hiking or mountain biking excursion through the foothills.
Practical Info
Huayna Potosí is located around 25 km north of La Paz in the Cordillera Real mountain range. The main hiking and climbing season is April through October.
Address: La Paz, Bolivia
From $ 270
House of Culture (Casa da Cultura)
An important cultural landmark in an unexpected place – the Casa da Cultura in Recife is a prison turned artisanal crafts market located in the city’s center. Built on the waterfront in 1850s, the three-wing prison maintained it’s original structure when it was repurposed into a cultural center and craft fair in the 1970s.
Today, the former prison cells have been converted into small shops selling colorful crafts that are typical in the region. The interior is donned with traditional northeastern folkloric art and decorations, and the region’s favorite musical genres, like frevo and forró, ring through the halls. The grounds outside have been converted to host concerts, as well as a space for food vendors, who sell northeastern treats like bolo de rolo (guava-swirl cake) and stuffed tapioca pancakes.
The Casa da Cultura is not only one of the best places to get one-of-a-kind souvenirs in Recife, but is also a taste of Northeastern traditions. The colorful, unique culture of the tropical northeast is distinctive from the rest of Brazil – this is manifested in the art, music, food and crafts that visitors will find at the Casa da Cultura.
Practical Info
The House of Culture is located at Rua Floriano Peixoto s/n in the neighborhood of Santo Antonio in Recife. It is open Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays until 6 p.m. and Sundays until 2 p.m. Admission is free.
Address: Rua Floriano Peixoto, s/n – Santo Antonio, Recife, Northeast Brazil 50050-060, Brazil
Hours: Monday–Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
From $ 25
Huaca Rajada
Every archaeologist dreams of finding a place like Huaca Rajada. Forgotten in the desert for over 1,700 years, Huaca Rajada was a sacred burial site for Moche nobility and royalty. When local looters in 1987 were found with lavish gold artifacts, it tipped off police that a large discovery might be buried in the nearby desert. An archaeologist, Walter Alva, was called to the site to examine the possibility that other tombs might exist, and when his team unearthed the “Lord of Sipan” and his tomb of jewels and gold, it was heralded as the greatest discovery of the last 50 years of archaeology.
Today, travelers can visit the archaeological site where excavations are still taking place. Though many of the larger artifacts and displays have been moved to Chiclayo museums (notably the Royal Tombs Museum of Sipan and the Brüning National Archaeological Museum), there is still a small museum on site that displays some of the findings. Of particular interest are the re-created tombs that show the position the Lord of Sipan was found in after having been buried over 1,700 years ago.
In addition to the extravagant headdresses and jewelry, the tomb contained the remains of a priest, a child, a llama, two dogs, three concubines and a guard who was buried without feet. This, archaeologists say, is meant to symbolize the guard’s inability to ever flee from his post, and it’s just one of the many tales of lore which lay buried in the sands of Sipan.
Practical Info
The Huaca Rajada Museum site is located close to the city of Sipan, 20 minutes from downtown Chiclayo. The site is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and there is an entrance fee of 8 Nuevo Soles ($2.75).
Address: Chiclayo, Peru
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Admission: 8 Nuevo Soles ($2.75)
From $ 122