Choose from 1,039 Fun Things to Do in Central And South America
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Jaco Beach
Jaco Beach is known for its black sand beaches and close proximity to Costa Rica’s capital city. But it’s also widely recognized for its diverse landscapes, breathtaking beauty and endless options for outdoor fun. The vast shores and crystal blue waters attract as many out of town travelers as they do locals.
Travelers can learn to surf, snorkel and swim in the clear ocean waters off the coast of Jaco. And those who want to experience the diversity of Coast Rica’s ecological landscapes can tour nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, the Carara biological reserve or the Damas Island Estuary. There are rain forest canopy tours, whale watching trips and beach side horseback riding adventures, too. Whether visitors are looking to unwind or eager to explore the shores of Jaco Beach offer the best of both worlds to travelers.
Practical Info
Jaco Beach is located a short drive from the San Jose airport and is the closest coastal destination to the capital city.
Address: Costa Rica
From $ 65
Iximch e
Located in the Western Highlands of Guatemala, the pre-Columbian Mesoamerican site of Iximche was the capital of the late post-classic Kaqchikel Maya kingdom from 1470 until it was ultimately abandoned in 1524 and then declared a Guatemalan National Monument in the 1960s.
Once in the archeological site, you will see four ceremonial plazas surrounded by tall temples and two ball courts. There is also a small museum displaying sculptures and ceramics found at Iximche during excavations. As you tour the site, look for poorly preserved painted murals and listen to guides as they talk about evidence of human sacrifice found at Iximche.
Originally, the Kaqchikel maintained their capital at what is present-day Chichicastenango but then moved to Iximche sometime around 1470 due to the rampant expansion movement and growing power of their K’iche rivals. Iximche was built along the safer 7,000-foot-high (2,134-meter-high) mountain ridge, surrounded by deep ravines. It took the Kaqchikel only about 50 years to get developed again as a city, and although they were able to ward off some attacks by the K’iche, the Spanish conquistadors soon arrived. An alliance was offered to assist with gaining control of other Mayan kingdoms, so Iximche was then declared the first capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala. Due to overbearing requests from the Spanish, the Kaqchikel broke the alliance and left Iximche, which was ultimately burned two years later by Spanish deserters.
Practical Info
Iximche is located about an hour northwest of Antigua in the town of Tecpán. The site is open daily from 8am until 5pm, and admission is about $10.
Address: Tecpán, Guatemala
Hours: Daily from 8am until 5pm.
Admission: $10
From $ 81
Isla Victoria
Isla Victoria is a small island located in Nahuel Huapi lake, which is part of the park by the same name. The lake is one of the main defining features of this part of Patagonia, with the city of Bariloche on the south shore, and smaller town of Villa La Angostura on the north side.
Victoria Island is located in the middle of the northernmost branch of the lake and is accessed from Puerto Pañuelo, a 30-minute drive from Bariloche. There are a couple of sailings daily, some of which continue to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, specificially, to the Quetrihué peninsula, which is home to the rare protected arrayán (Chilean myrtle) forest, with slender, cinnamon-barked trees which grow in a dense grove, and some examples of which are up to 650 years old.
Isla Victoria has varied foliage, including the arctic beech, and some easy hiking trails, and if you spend time wandering, you can find some solitary beaches on which to sit and contemplate the lake, or take a chillly dip. Many visitors do this trip as a half-day tour, though you could spend longer on the island. The weather can be cool, especially if you opt to sit outside on the boat, so plan accordingly.
Victoria Island is located in the middle of the northernmost branch of the lake and is accessed from Puerto Pañuelo, a 30-minute drive from Bariloche. There are a couple of sailings daily, some of which continue to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, specificially, to the Quetrihué peninsula, which is home to the rare protected arrayán (Chilean myrtle) forest, with slender, cinnamon-barked trees which grow in a dense grove, and some examples of which are up to 650 years old.
Isla Victoria has varied foliage, including the arctic beech, and some easy hiking trails, and if you spend time wandering, you can find some solitary beaches on which to sit and contemplate the lake, or take a chillly dip. Many visitors do this trip as a half-day tour, though you could spend longer on the island. The weather can be cool, especially if you opt to sit outside on the boat, so plan accordingly.
Practical Info:
There are a couple of trips daily, in the morning and early afternoon, and you can choose between taking your own transportation to Puerto Pañuelo, or taking a complete tour. If you go on your own, you can just go back and forth to Isla Victoria, but the tours generally go to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, which is a good way to see both places by boat, particularly if you are short of time.
Address: Isla Victoria, Neuquen Province, Argentina
From $ 52
Italian Building
Standing 168 meters tall, São Paulo’s Italian Building (Edifício Itália) is the second-tallest structure in the city after Mirante do Vale. Built between 1956 and 1965, it’s famous for its 360-degree-views which you can see for yourself on a trip up to the Terraço Itália restaurant and piano bar, or even further to the 41st floor rooftop viewing terrace. With the city spread out 500 feet below, and soft jazz playing in the Noble Room piano bar, this is most definitely the spot for celebrating a special occasion.
The rest of the floors are given over to offices, and there's a theater and gallery on the ground floor. Another interesting spot in the building is the Circolo Italiano — a nonprofit that preserves the traditions of Sao Paulo’s Italians. The surrounding downtown area isn’t all that safe at night, so if you’re having dinner here it's a good idea to ask the staff to call you a cab to take you back to your accommodation.
Practical Info
On Av. Ipiranga, 344, dinner at the Terraço Itália costs from $75 USD upwards. The nearest metro station to the Italian Building is Republica (Red and Yellow line), and the terrace viewing platform can be visited for R$15, with free access to the viewing platform between 3-4pm Monday-Friday. Entry to the piano bar costs R$30, and drinks cost around USD $10 upwards. Dress smartly to enter the piano bar and restaurant.
Address: Avenida Ipiranga, 334, República, São Paulo 01046-010, Brazil
Hours: Daily hours vary: open roughly noon-midnight
Admission: R$15-R$30
From $ 78
Joya de Cer en Archaeological Site
A pre-Columbian Mayan farming village dating back to A.D. 600 and El Salvador’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, the impressive ruins of Joya de Cerén were discovered in 1976 and have since become one of the country’s most visited archaeological sites.
Smothered by ash during an eruption of the Laguna Caldera volcano, the buried village was preserved in near-perfect condition, earning it the nickname of the ‘Pompeii of the Americas’ and offering a unique insight into the life and culture of the region’s ancient Mayan communities. Today, the remains of around 70 structures have been uncovered at the site, 10 of which have been excavated and are open to the public, including storehouses, kitchens, workshops, a worship area and a temezcal (ceremonial bath).
Practical Info
The Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site is located about 3 km north of San Salvador and can be reached by public transport. The site is open every day except Mondays from 9am to 4pm, and adult admission is US$3.
Address: Carretera Panamericana (CA-1), San Salvador, El Salvador
Hours: Open every day except Mondays from 9am to 4pm
Admission: US$3 (adults)
From $ 41
Jiron de la Union
Downtown Lima’s most lively and colorful street is pedestrianized Jiron de la Union.
Lined with boutiques and stores for window-shopping, restaurants and cafes for bar-hoppers, and thronged with locals for people-watching, taking a stroll along this atmospheric thoroughfare is the best way to experience Lima in a nutshell.
Taking up five blocks of prime city-center real estate, Lima’s most important boulevard was planned by Pizarro back in 1535, when the city was founded.
A walk along this thoroughly commercialized car-free route takes you past City Hall, monuments, squares and the La Merced Cathedral, with its pretty square in front.
Lined with boutiques and stores for window-shopping, restaurants and cafes for bar-hoppers, and thronged with locals for people-watching, taking a stroll along this atmospheric thoroughfare is the best way to experience Lima in a nutshell.
Taking up five blocks of prime city-center real estate, Lima’s most important boulevard was planned by Pizarro back in 1535, when the city was founded.
A walk along this thoroughly commercialized car-free route takes you past City Hall, monuments, squares and the La Merced Cathedral, with its pretty square in front.
Practical Info
Jiron de la Union is in the historic city center. The pedestrianized street runs southwest from Plaza de Armas to Plaza San Martin, linking the city’s two main squares.
Address: Jiron de la Union, Lima, Peru
From $ 26
Itaipu Beach
Travelers say this once pristine beach used to be known for its easy access to eclectic Rio de Janeiro and was a paradise for travelers looking to escape the hustle of the city and relax on calm and quiet beaches. Unfortunately, pollution has made swimming conditions less than ideal and visitors say the sandy strips of coast are now jam-packed with people. Itaipu Beach’s once chill vibe has been erased as this tropical spot has shifted into an overrun destination. Despite this recent change, the shores remain a great stop for travelers looking to experience the beauty of life in beachside Brazil, thanks to a thriving local scene that includes seafood restaurants serving up the fresh daily catch, markets and waves that are still ideal for surfing and paddleboarding.
Practical Info
The beach is located about 30 minutes from Rio by boat.
Address: Niterói, Brazil
From $ 1,500
Ixpanpajul Natural Park (Parque Natural Ixpanpaul)
So, you want to explore Guatemala’s subtropical rainforest, but without getting too wild? Ixpanpajul Nature Park offers a several lush and well-maintained ways into the jungle, perfect for a family outing.
The pretty little park preserves 450 hectares (1.7 square miles) of almost untouched rainforest, into which they’ve packed all sorts of activities. The most popular trek is a self-guided hike (a little over an hour) that takes you to several spectacular viewpoints. There are also suspended bridges through the forest canopy, horseback rides, night safaris, birding treks, ATV rentals, and even a Tarzán Zip Line Canopy Tour, if you’re feeling particularly brave.
Though this tiny corner of the jungle has been partially developed, it’s still wild: More than 200 species of trees, 150 birds, and 40 mammals, including three types of monkey, all call the park home. It’s a great half-day trip, but keep in mind that wildlife is most active in the morning and evening.
The pretty little park preserves 450 hectares (1.7 square miles) of almost untouched rainforest, into which they’ve packed all sorts of activities. The most popular trek is a self-guided hike (a little over an hour) that takes you to several spectacular viewpoints. There are also suspended bridges through the forest canopy, horseback rides, night safaris, birding treks, ATV rentals, and even a Tarzán Zip Line Canopy Tour, if you’re feeling particularly brave.
Though this tiny corner of the jungle has been partially developed, it’s still wild: More than 200 species of trees, 150 birds, and 40 mammals, including three types of monkey, all call the park home. It’s a great half-day trip, but keep in mind that wildlife is most active in the morning and evening.
Practical Info
The park is located at KM 468 from Guatemala City to Flores, just ten kilometers (six miles) from Mundo Maya International Airport in Santa Elena–Petén. Cabs and buses make the run from the airport or town, or arrange pickup through the park itself.
There are campsites (and tent rental) and cabins with electricity and private bath onsite, but note that they are very popular with Guatemalans escaping the city. Make reservations for weekends and holidays.
There are campsites (and tent rental) and cabins with electricity and private bath onsite, but note that they are very popular with Guatemalans escaping the city. Make reservations for weekends and holidays.
Address: Ixpanpajul Nature Park, Peten, Guatemala
From $ 68
Islets of Granada (Las Isletas de Granada)
Lake Nicaragua, Central America’s largest lake, is home to an archipelago of 365 islands. Formed by the eruption of Mombacho Volcano, the Islets of Granada include uninhabited isles, traditional fishing villages, private residences, and luxurious resorts. Explore as part of a “best of” Nicaragua or Granada tour, or with a private guide.
The Basics
A boat cruise or kayak excursion around Lake Nicaragua makes a popular addition to a sightseeing tour of Granada. Floating past the islands, travelers enjoy stunning views of the islands and Mombacho Volcano, as well as a glimpse of local life on the islands. Wildlife lovers can also visit Monkey Island, known for its large population of capuchin monkeys, and look out for birds, including warblers, tanagers, hawks, and jays. Granada City tours from Managua often visit Lake Nicaragua as do multi-day excursions that also explore Western Nicaragua.
Things to Know Before You Go
- All of the islands are car-free; the only way to get around is on foot.
- There is a restaurant on one of the islands where it’s possible to purchase lunch.
- Some boat tours to the Islets of Granada are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check with the tour operator in advance.
How to Get There
The Islets of Granada are located on Lake of Nicaragua, along the coast of Granada. Boat tours leave from Puerto Asese, a 5-minute taxi ride from downtown Granada.
When to Get There
Boat cruises run all year. The most popular time for sightseeing is during the dry season months of November to April. However, for bird-watching, time your visit for May and June, during mating and nesting season.
Ometepe Island
In the center of the vast Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe Island is the largest island on the lake. Reachable by ferry from Granada and San Jorge, it’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with beautiful sandy beaches, volcanic peaks, and lush rain forest. A popular holiday resort and weekend getaway from Granada, the island is a great destination for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as swimming and kayaking around the lake.
Address: Granada, Nicaragua
From $ 29
Itaparica Island
This tropical island, which once played host to the Sul America Tennis Open, is home to some 40 kilometers of white sandy beaches, thick green forests and stunning ocean views. Travelers used to the typical Caribbean beach scene will find that the island of Itaparica offers a more rural escape, where tiny villages, scenic waterfronts and old school churches take the place of colorful beach umbrellas, pushy vendors and tourist-filled stretches of sand.
The tropical town of Mar Grande is home to bustling markets, shopping and plenty of restaurants—though visitors agree the food on Itaparica is not much to write home about. Those looking for a more traditional island getaway should head to the north coast, where the beaches are scenic and the ocean views are beautiful.
Practical Info
Itaparica Island is located about 10 kilometers from the city of Salvador. It is accessible via a one-hour ferry. Smaller boats leave from Mercado Modelo and larger ships can be found in Bom Despacho. The ferries run from 6 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. daily.
Address: Itaparica Island, Brazil
From $ 66
Isla Lobos
Isla Lobos is a small, flat island located off the coast of San Cristobal Island known for its snorkeling and diving. Beside its rocky shores lie calm waters in which conditions for swimming and viewing marine life are optimal and visibility can reach up to 40 feet.
The island is most known for its resident sea lion population, where dozens of them play in the turquoise water and dot the white sands to rest. Bird watching for blue-footed boobies, Darwin finches, brown pelicans, and frigate birds is also feasible here.
Isla Lobos is the closest dive site to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. With the right timing, it is even possible to see baby sea lions or marine iguanas eating seaweed and swimming in the water. The channel the island creates next to San Cristobal makes for excellent conditions to encounter wildlife.
Practical Info
Islas Lobos about a half hour away by boat from the port on San Cristobal Island. Visitors must be accompanied by a certified Galapagos National Park guide.
Address: Isla Lobos, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
From $ 150
Itaipu Dam
Set near the convergence of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, Itaipu Dam is considered one of the World’s Seven Modern Wonders, clocking in at 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) long and 65 stories high. With a maximum flow up to 40 times more powerful than nearby Iguassu (Iguaçu) Falls, the dam’s hydroelectric power plant produces roughly 20 percent of Brazil’s electricity.
The Basics
Most tours of Itaipu Dam include a catamaran ride on Itaipu Lake and allow you to take in views from the observation deck and spillway, while some options also include a technical tour of the hydroelectric power plant. Don’t miss the Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary, which features a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) walk around the Piracema Canal and harbors animal species such as jaguars, quati, alligators, king vultures, and snakes. Nearby, the Casimiro Montenegro Filho Astronomical Pole features a planetarium, observatory, and an observation platform that allow travelers to view the night sky. Itaipu Dam tours typically leave from Puerto Iguazú or Foz do Iguaçu, and are frequently combined with excursions to the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Itaipu Dam is a must-see for first-time visitors to the Iguassu Falls area.
- Be sure to dress appropriately; sandals, high heels, miniskirts, and shorts are not allowed.
- The visitor complex at the dam is fully wheelchair accessible and has a tactile floor to aid travelers with decreased vision.
How to Get There
Most visitors arrive at Itaipu Dam via prearranged tour. Cabs are available from downtown Foz do Iguaçu, and car parking is available for independent travelers. To get there via public transportation, take the Conjunto C Norte or Conjunto C Sul bus lines, which depart from the central Foz do Iguaçu terminal.
When to Get There
You can visit Itaipu Dam year-round. Twice a week, there is a nighttime light show from the Central Lookout, which features music and views of the dam illuminated by nearly 1,000 spotlights and light fixtures.
Itaipu Dam History
The Itaipu hydroelectric plant marks the spot where an epic cascade was once the centerpiece of Guaira Falls National Park. The Seven Falls of Guaira (actually 18 cascades on the Parana River, gushing twice as much water as Niagara Falls) were drowned in 1982 when the dam was under construction. The national park was dissolved and the cliffs were destroyed with dynamite to ensure safer navigation on the new Itaipu Lake.
Address: Avenida Tancredo Neves 6702, Foz de Iguacu, Brazil
Admission: Varies
From $ 32
Izalco Volcano
Located within El Salvador’s Cerro Verde National Park (Parque Nacional Cerro Verde), the Izalco Volcano is the highest in the country and the park’s most visually beautiful peak. It’s also one of the most challenging treks in the park; it takes visitors an average of three hours (one way) to reach the summit at 6,404 feet (1,952 meters).
A baby when compared to other Central American volcanoes, Izalco only formed in 1770 and didn’t stop erupting until 1966. It’s violent eruptions made the volcano a natural beacon for sea farers off the Salvadoran coast, earning it the nickname Lighthouse of the Pacific. These same eruptions were also responsible for sculpting the volcano’s near perfect conical shape, lunar-like and unvegetated, with a 820-foot (250-meter) wide crater at its summit.
Practical Info
Park officials strongly discourage visitors from trekking Izalco Volcano without a guide.
Address: Santa Ana, El Salvador
Hours: 8am to 5pm
Admission: $1
From $ 49
January Ecological Park
Giant water lilies, flooded forests, fertile lowlands and rare wildlife are just part of what makes the 9,000-acre January Ecological Park a destination for travelers. Visitors can navigate the relaxing waters known for its massive lily pads—some measuring more than seven feet in diameter—while searching for rare tropical birds among the thick forests that line the river.
Playful monkeys, ferocious crocodiles and brightly colored butterflies are easy to stop on a trip through this extraordinary park. A handful of floating houses make for fantastic photo ops and a market selling traditional and handmade items by local artisans proves the perfect place to pick up handicrafts for friends back at home. And while it looks touristy at first glance, travelers agree January Ecological Park’s floating restaurant serves up local cuisine that’s worth stopping in for.
Practical Info
The January Ecological Park is located a short 45-minute boat ride from Manaus on the Rio Negro.
Address: Rio Negro, Brazil
From $ 89
Isla Grande
Once travelers have gotten their fill of Panama City’s urban streets, they can escape to the white sandy beaches and palm tree-lined shores of picturesque Isla Grande. The ideal place for visitors to slow down and sink in to real life relaxation, this destination offers crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling, SCUBA diving or just taking a dip and soaking up the sun.
Travelers can enjoy local cuisine and fresh fish cooked with island flavors at one of the numerous roadside restaurants. Scenic boat tours through lush mangroves showcase the natural beauty of this popular island destination and private hotel beaches provide picturesque escapes that are slightly off the beaten path, free of heavy foot traffic and hawkers selling local goods.
Practical Info
Isla Grande is located 15 km off the coast of Portobelo. Travelers should be advised that the island experiences heavy (thought short-lived) rains year round.
Address: Panama
From $ 85
Jardín
Jardín, a town in the mountains just four hours to the south of Medellin, preserves a colonial appearance that seems unchanged by the modern advances of this century.
The town’s name is no mystery—its beautiful garden-like atmosphere and lush green landscapes enchant visitors. Enjoy the peace and calm in this laid-back town that is not on the typical tourist trail. The beautiful tree-lined plaza is perfect to relax and observe daily life. The main square is lined with cafes and restaurants with colorful tables and chairs, and the striking neo-Gothic Basilica Menor de la Inmaculada Conception is close by. Whitewashed colonial houses in town have brightly painted doors, balconies and hanging baskets.
There’s also plenty of scenery to take in. There are trout farms for fishing and an old-fashioned cable car above the river that extends across the valley and up into the mountains. At the lookout point there are views of the town and a café to have something to eat. Visitors also have the opportunity to walk around the farms.
The Cave of Splendor (La Cueva del Esplendor), a waterfall within a cave, is a six-hour roundtrip trek along narrow, steep, mountain paths. Along the way, admire the mountains with their banana and coffee plantations. It’s recommended to go with a guide who knows the terrain.
Practical Info
It’s easy to get a bus from the Terminal del Sur bus terminal in Medellin heading to Jardín. Once in the town, walking is the best way to get around.
Address: Jardin, Colombia
From $ 110
Jesuit Sacred Art Museum (Museu de Arte Sacra dos Jesuitas)
Housed in one of Brazil’s oldest churches, the Jesuit Sacred Art Museum is small but filled with history. The church, Nossa Senhora do Rosário was built in 1690 and is representative of many Catholic churches constructed by the Portuguese at this
time, with its simple, white exterior and windows in neat blue frames.
The interior has an intricately decorated altar and some items used by priests centuries ago like candlesticks, crosses and religious scriptures. It holds an impressive collection of religious artifacts and baroque pieces, some dating as far back as the 17th century. This includes paintings of angels, saints, and biblical characters portrayed in various mediums, like woodcarvings, terracotta sculptures and paintings in ornate gilded frames. Another highlight is an 18th-century organ, the second oldest in Brazil.
Practical Info
The Jesuit Sacred Art Museum is located at Largo dos Jesuítas, 67 in the historic center of Embu das Artes in the state of São Paulo. It is open Tuesday–Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is R$8 for adults and R$4 for students.
Address: Largo dos Jesuítas, 67, Embu das Artes, Brazil
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: R$8 for adults and R$4 for students
From $ 260
Jade Museum (Museo de Jade)
The Jade Museum (Museo del Jade) proves to Costa Rica visitors that this small Central American country is as rich in its history and cultural offerings as in biodiversity. The museum, located in the Costa Rican capital of San Jose, showcases more than 1,000 years’ worth of artifacts from Mesoamerica dating from 500 B.C. to 800 A.D.—including pre-Columbian jade, wood, and ceramics—in a renovated space.
The Basics
A visit to the Jade Museum sheds light on pre-Columbian societies and traditional Costa Rican culture. Thanks to its central location in downtown San Jose, the Jade Museum can easily be added onto any city tour. Explore its collection of 7,000 artifacts on your own or go with a guide for a more comprehensive experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This site is a must-see for history buffs.
- Children under 12 receive a reduced rate of $2.
- Plan to spend roughly two hours exploring the five floors of displays.
- Engaging kid-friendly activities include an excavation role-play and giant puzzles.
- The museum offers a souvenir shop, restaurant, and cafe; take your drinks to go while you tour the exhibits.
How to Get to the Jade Museum
The Jade Museum is located on Central Street in San Jose, just down the road from the National Museum of Costa Rica and two blocks south of the famed National Park, so it’s easy to visit while you’re exploring downtown. Multiple bus lines stop within a few blocks of the museum, and the Museo stop on the Tren Urbano rapid transit system is a five-minute walk away. Transport by taxi or private vehicle is also available.
When to Get There
The Jade Museum is open year-round from 10am to 5pm, including weekends, but it’s best to confirm opening hours during the many national holidays. Thanks to one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian artifacts in all of Central America, the museum can attract crowds. Save time waiting in line by booking tickets ahead or exploring as part of a tour. Otherwise, expect the largest crowds during Costa Rica’s high season, which runs from late November through April.
Say What?
You may want to brush up on your Spanish or download a translation app before visiting the museum, as much of the information is presented in Spanish. If you need a place to start, remember that jade is pronounced "ha-day," the Spanish word for gold is oro, and pre-Columbian is precolombino.
Address: West side of Plaza de la Democracia, Central Av. Street 13 and 13 bis, San Jose 10101, Costa Rica
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm
Admission: $15
From $ 15
Jade Museum (Museo del Jade)
Jade is a rare and precious stone dating back to the pre-Columbian era in Mesoamerica. Some of the world’s best jade was found in Guatemala. Historically, it was used in culturally significant ways, including in hieroglyph inscriptions and carvings of symbolic figures.
There are two types of jade — Jadeite and Nephrite. Jadeite is more dense and renowned for its rich colors. Nephrite is more of a carving stone, found in many places around the world. Jadeite contains the bright green and apple colors you find in quality jade jewelry. Those colors were prized by both Chinese emperors and Maya kings.
To learn more about jade, visitors to Antigua can visit the Jade Factory and Museum, also called Jade Maya, founded in 1974 by archaeologist Mary Lou Ridinger and her husband, Jay. Fine jadeite is mined here in the same manner of the Olmec, Maya and Aztec people. Guatemalan workers at Jade Maya cut and polish the mined jade following the same traditions of their ancestors.
The jade is transformed into pre-Columbian-style, museum-quality replicas and beautiful handmade fashion jewelry and accessories. There is an online catalog that shows some of the designs Jade Maya has created to date. The small museum has a nice chronological timeline on the history of jade and various displays depicting jade artifacts discovered on excavations. Visitors to Jade Maya will appreciate the knowledge Ridinger shares with visitors as an expert in mining jade. She and her husband discovered the jade mining zone, an area lost for more than 500 years after the start of the Spanish conquest.
Practical Info
Jade Maya has eight shops in Guatemala, with the main showroom and factory in Antigua. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., and admission is free. Credit cards are accepted for jewelry purchases.
Address: 4a. Calle oriente No. 34, Antigua, Guatemala
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
From $ 69
Jewish Museum of Buenos Aires
In 1967 Dr. Salvador Kibrick, a prominent member of the Argentine Israeli Congregation, donated his personal collection of Torahs, paintings, coins, siddur, ceremonial items and religious art to start the Jewish Museum of Buenos Aires. This museum, known locally as the Museo Kibrick in honor of its founder, is housed beside Argentina’s largest and oldest synagogue.
Since its founding, many other works have been added to the collection, including manuscripts by Albert Gerchunoff and Samuel Eichelbaum and letters of Albert Einstein and Martin Buber. Special exhibits recount the history of Judaism in Argentina, including the role of Jewish agricultural colonies in the rural parts of the country.
Practical Info
You’ll need your passport or some form of ID to gain entry into the museum and neighboring temple.
Address: Libertad 769, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Open Tues-Thurs 11am-6pm; Fri 11am-5pm
Admission: By Donation
From $ 53