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National Palace of Culture (Palacio Nacional de la Cultura)
In a city infamous for a lacking cultural center, Managua’s National Palace of Culture stands as a testament to Nicaragua’s rich history. The complex houses the National Museum (Museo Nacional Dioclesiano Chávez), the National Archives, and the National Library (Biblioteca Nacional Rubén Darío) all under one stunning neoclassical roof.
The Basics
The sprawling National Palace of Culture is best known to visitors as the home of the National Museum. Walk through the museum’s nine galleries filled with pre-Columbian ceramics, dinosaur bones, Latin American paintings, and more. General admission includes access to English-speaking guides who help explain the many exhibits. Bundle your visit with trips to the nearby Old Cathedral of Managua (Catedral de Managua), Plaza de la Revolución, and Hotel el Gran Marquez for an easy all-in-one discovery of top Managua attractions. Or for a more comprehensive and hassle-free experience, join a larger city tour that includes the National Palace and more far-flung points of interest in the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Palace of Culture is a must-see for anyone with interest in Nicaraguan history and culture.
- Quickly admire the building’s facade or plan to spend up to two hours exploring exhibits.
How to Get There
The best way to reach the National Palace of Culture is in one of Managua’s many inexpensive taxis. A number of nearby bus stops also service the neighborhood, which is right by the malecón on the shores of Lake Managua.
When to Get There
The National Museum is open weekdays from 8am to 5pm and weekends from 9am to 4pm. For a stunning view of the National Palace, visit when it is lit up (though closed) at night.
Sandinista Revolution
In 1978, the National Palace had housed the Nicaraguan parliament for over 50 years. Then, on Aug. 22, of that year, Sandinista revolutionaries overthrew the Somoza dictatorship, ending the palace’s role as the seat of the Nicaraguan parliament almost overnight.
Address: Managua, Nicaragua
Admission: US $2
From $ 40
Old Town Cartagena
A leisurely walk through the narrow streets of Old Town Cartagena, with bougainvillea spilling off second-floor balconies and brightly painted Colonial houses, invites visitors to escape into the past. The bustle of daily life mixes with the historical architecture of this walled city by the ocean. In addition to the beautiful boutique stores, numerous restaurants, and colorful street vendors, there are many treasures to see around town and just outside the city walls.
The leafy Plaza de Bolivar serves as a good place to start a tour in Cartagena and to see some of the local culture and buy fruit from the colorfully dressed women known as palanqueras. Next to the plaza, the free Gold Museum (Museo de Oro) displays pieces that tell the history of the Zenú indigenous tribe. The nearby Palace of the Inquisition (Palacio de la Inquisición) provides a rather gruesome look at Colombia’s past and the Spanish Inquisition -- some of the torture devices used on the accused are on display.
The San Pedro Claver church and monastery tells the life story of a priest in Cartagena who fought for human rights, and Cartagena’s Museum of Modern Art takes a look at art in Latin America. A short walk away is the Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj), the main entrance to Cartagena and a symbol of the city. Las Bovedas, a long series of vaults built under the city, have been alternately used as jails, munitions storage and in modern times, souvenir shops. Crafts made by indigenous tribes and bags of 100 percent Colombian coffee can be purchased here.
On a hill just outside the city is the San Felipe de Barajas Castle, which was built to defend Cartagena in the 1700s, and its tunnels are a cool place to avoid the tropical heat and find good views for photos.
Practical Info
To avoid the heat of the day, try getting to the Old Town earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. Another option is to hide out during the hot hours in the shade of the Plaza de Bolivar, in an air-conditioned museum or at one of the numerous restaurants. The wide walls surrounding the city are ideal for a walk in the evening just before sunset.
Address: Cartagena, Colombia
From $ 12
National Theater
Perhaps the most famous (and certainly most prized) public building in all of San Jose, the National Theater of Costa Rica in the city’s Catedral district, is home to the nation’s cultural community. Classical music, theater and dance performances take place several times a week. And while it’s always worth catching a show, the theater’s traditional Renaissance architecture, breathtaking ceilings and grand interiors make it a must-see stop even if you can’t get tickets for the symphony.
Free tours of the historic building, which was built in1897, take place daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and the theater’s highly regarded café with picturesque San Jose views, is a perfect spot to grab lunch before exploring the rest of the city.
Free tours of the historic building, which was built in1897, take place daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and the theater’s highly regarded café with picturesque San Jose views, is a perfect spot to grab lunch before exploring the rest of the city.
Practical Info
The theater is located on 2nd Avenue between 3rd and 5th Street in the capital city and is open to visitors Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Entry is $7. Visit the theater’s website for information on performances and an updated monthly schedule.
Address: National Theatre of Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
Hours: Mon - Sat 9am-4pm
Admission: Entrance: $7
From $ 10
National University of Trujillo Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History
For archaeology and history buffs, Trujillo might be the most fascinating city along the entire coastline of Peru. This dry shoreline has been the historic site of thousands of years of civilizations, and empires in Trujillo have risen and fallen like the sand dunes along the coast. With each passing century, cultural artifacts and artistic relics have been preserved by the desert sands, many of which are on display today at the National University of Trujillo Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History.
Inside of this small museum—which itself is housed in the 17th Century mansion known as La Casa Risco—visitors will find an astounding collection of Pre-Columbian art forms. Displays at the museum include pieces from the Chimu, Moche, and Inca Empires, and the jewelry, clothing, and ceramic artwork are windows into these ancient cultures. More than simply a display of artifacts, the multiple rooms of Casa Risco offer informative displays about the different civilizations that have existed along the coastline. Learn what caused the Empires to collapse and allowed others to rise, and get the latest updates on archaeological finds that are still being pulled from the Earth.
Practical Info
The National University of Trujillo Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History is located in the historical center of Trujillo a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas. There is an entrance fee of $1.50, and the museum is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
Address: Jirón Junín No. 682, Trujillo, Peru
Hours: Monday 9am-3pm; Tuesday-Friday 9am-1pm & 3pm-7pm; Saturday-Sunday 9am-4pm
Admission: $1.50
From $ 33
National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History
When compared to cities like Trujillo and Cuzco with their wealth of archaeology, modern day Lima can sometimes seem like a city without a past. For what it lacks in ruins, however, it more than makes up for with its fascinating museums and collection of ancient artifacts. At the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History, visitors can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the trove of artifacts. In fact, not only do the 100,000 artifacts comprise the largest collection in Peru, but seeing as the museum was first opened back in 1826, it’s also the oldest state run museum anywhere in Peru. During your stroll through Peruvian history, look at ceramics, arrowheads, and jewelry that date back thousands of years, and read through exhibits of the Spanish occupation that led to modern Peru. Browse through one of the world’s most important displays of traditional textile art, or ogle at over 15,000 human skeletal remains. This one stop shop for Peruvian history can rival any museum in Peru, and along with the nearby Larco Museum, is the best way to explore the past when visiting Lima today.
Practical Info
The National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History is located in Plaza Bolivar in the Pueblo Libre district. The museum is open on Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-4pm, and on Sundays and holidays from 9am-3:30pm. Admission is approximately $3-$4, and English tours are available.
Address: Plaza Bolivar s/n Pueblo Libre, Lima, Peru
Admission: $3-$4
From $ 75
Nordenskjold Lake
In the early 20th century, Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjold discovered a blue alpine lake that would later be named after him. Located within Torres del Paine National Park, the lake is famous for its beautifully colored waters, as well as its outfall, the Salto Grande waterfall.
While the national park is famous for its multi-day hiking circuits, visitors can make a shorter, easier day hike to Mirador Nordenskjold, an overlook offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The trail passes through fields of wildflowers in the spring, and it also brings hikers up close to the Salto Grande waterfall.
Practical Info
Find the trailhead to Mirador Nordenskjold near the catamaran marina in Pudeto.
Address: Puerto Natales, Magallanes, Chile, Chile
From $ 86
Old Prison of Ushuaia
The Old Prison of Ushuaia isn’t just a museum. It’s four walls hold the history of Ushuaia, as its inmates literally built the city streets and public buildings. It had Tierra del Fuego’s first printing press, telephone, and electricity, too.
For the most part, its inmates were a surly bunch, made up of serial offenders that Buenos Aires police wanted to ship out and never see again. There were also political prisoners, sent to the end of the world where their ideals would be ignored. But rumors also claim that Carlos Gardel – the most prominent voice in Tango – also spent a stretch in this bleak outpost.
Today, the Old Prison building houses several different museums, but two wings of the building are dedicated to the incarcerated history. One wing has been left as is, so it takes visitors into the past by showing both the living conditions and cramped quarters that found 800 prisoners living in 360 cells. The second wing of the prison museum houses restored furniture, mannequins, and stories of the inmates’ pasts.
The old prison building also houses the Maritime and Antarctic Museums, and the Maritime Art Gallery.
Practical Info
The old prison of Ushuaia is located at the intersection of Yaganes y Gobernador Paz. From April to October, it’s open 10AM to 8PM. From November to March, it’s open 9AM to 8PM. Admission currently costs $120 pesos for an individual or $250 pesos for a family, but includes access to the Maritime, Antarctic, and Old Prison Museums and art gallery.
Address: Yaganes y Gobernador Paz, Ushuaia, Argentina
Hours: April-Oct 10AM to 8PM
Nov-March 9AM to 8PM
Admission: $120 pesos
From $ 18
Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Church
When the Portuguese Navy captain Theodozio Rodrigues de Faria and his crew survived a brutal storm at sea, the international explorer vowed to honor the saint who saved his life once he arrived on the shores of his destination. Today, the gilded halls of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Church, home to a replica image of an original Portuguese statue of Christ, still stand as homage to one captain’s survival.
Travelers venture to the top of Sacred Knoll in search of similar modern miracles, making it a point of pilgrimage for visitors from across the globe. Services at Nosso Senhor do Bonfim blend old world Catholic traditions with the worshiping practices of West African slaves, making for a memorable and uniquely Brazilian Sunday morning.
Practical Info
The church is located on Largo do Bonfim and is open Mondays from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday and on Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Friday and Sunday from 5:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. The traditional washing of the steps takes place on the second Thursday of every month.
Address: Largo do Bonfim, Salvador, BA, Brazil 40415-475, Brazil
Hours: Mon 8am-6pm, Tue-Thur & Sat 6:30am-6pm, Fri & Sun 5:30am-6pm
From $ 45
Old Cathedral of Managua (Antigua Catedral de Managua)
The Old Cathedral of Managua (Catedral de Managua) is a spectacular ruin whose gilded neoclassical facade still stands but insides were devastated in a 1972 earthquake that shook Nicaragua. Though visitors are not allowed inside, the cathedral’s striking beauty and historical significance make a visit worthwhile.
The Basics
Inspired by the Saint-Sulpice Church (Eglise Saint-Sulpice) in Paris, this impressive edifice is both an enduring symbol of Nicaragua’s past and a testament to the strength of natural forces. But don’t expect pews and prayers. Though you can peek inside at the cathedral’s original tapestries, statues, and other decor through barred windows, entrance is forbidden due to safety concerns and questions about the structure’s post-earthquake integrity. Instead, take a lap around the outside of the never-restored ruins to admire its bell tower, clock tower, and pediment, which were designed and constructed in Belgium in 1920 before being shipped to Nicaragua.
Easily combine a trip to the cathedral with other nearby attractions like the neighboring National Palace (Palacio Nacional de la Cultura) and the monuments of Plaza de la República on a Managua walking tour, or visit as part of a larger Managua city sightseeing tour for an in-depth understanding of the area’s historical and cultural significance, as well as easy logistics.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The cathedral interior is closed to the public, but the exterior grounds can be visited.
- The cathedral is also sometimes referred to as St. James’ Cathedral (Catedral de Santiago) or the Antigua Catedral de Managua.
- The old cathedral ruins are a must for history buffs and first-time visitors to Managua.
- Plan your visit around the opening hours for the National Palace (Palacio Nacional de la Cultura) or House of Peoples (Casa de los Pueblos) to make the most of the trip.
How to Get There
The Old Cathedral of Managua is located just a block from the malecón (sea wall) in northwestern Managua. Take one of the city’s many inexpensive taxis, or ride the bus to the National Palace (Palacio Nacional de la Cultura).
When to Get There
An outdoor attraction open year-round, the Old Cathedral is best visited alongside other nearby Managua attractions.
Cathedral Restoration
Though the Nicaraguan government has long promised to restore the cathedral to its former glory, funding issues have prevented any progress. A new initiative backed by Mexican and Italian engineers will take another look to determine the feasibility of restoration. Meanwhile, the New Cathedral of Managua (La Nueva Catedral) was built in 1993 to take its place.
Address: 2a Avenida NE, Managua 11001, Nicaragua
From $ 40
Old Shoes Monument (Los Zapatos Viejos)
At the base of the imposing San Felipe Castle, Cartagena’s Old Shoes Monument (Los Zapatos Viejos) is, you guessed it, a giant sculpture of a pair of old boots. A popular spot for a selfie or ten, the monument was created by the sculptor Hector Lombana as a reference to the popular poem, “Mi Ciudad Nativa,” by local poet, and one of South America’s most respected writers, Luis Carlos López.
In the final line, López compares the love and sense of comfort he feels for his hometown of Cartagena to that which he feels for a pair of worn-in, but familiar and comfortable shoes. And on a plaque in front of the famous sculpture, you can read the whole poem in full.
Practical Info
To see the Old Shoes Monument, head to San Felipe Castle on the hill of San Lázaro along Avenida Arevalo. The castle itself is open from 8am to 6pm every day, and entry for adults costs COP $8,000.
Address: Calle 31, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia, Colombia
Hours: Daily 8am-6pm
Admission: Adults: COP$8000
From $ 26
Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum (MAC)
The swirling modern architecture of the Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum (MAC) looms over Boa Viagem Beach and Guanabara Bay. Inside you can find paintings, sculptures, and installations from Brazil and around the world—plus panoramic windows with views of the city skyline, Guanabara Bay, and Sugar Loaf Mountain.
The Basics
Set on the border of Rio de Janiero, the city of Niteroi is a popular day trip destination. Most full-day Niteroi tours leave from Rio and include a stop at the Contemporary Art Museum along with other city highlights. Boat tours from Rio on Guanabara Bay offer views of the museum's exterior as well as other Niteroi shoreline sights. For a personalized experience, opt for a private city tour with museum admission included.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tickets to the MAC are half-price for students, teachers, and seniors.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- The MAC hosts a restaurant with top-notch Brazilian food and even better views.
How to Get There
The museum is located in the Boa Viagem neighborhood of Niteroi. The closest bus stop serving the museum from downtown is located on Rua Presidente Pedreira; it's a short walk to Mirante de Boa Viagem from there. Parking is available on-site.
When to Get There
Visit on Friday or Saturday night to catch local music acts, or on the first Sunday of the month to experience the museum’s Cultural Exchange Fair. On Wednesdays, admission is free.
Niemeyer and Niteroi
The city of Niteroi is home to a concentration of buildings designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, including the Teatro Popular de Niteroi, the MAC, and the Caminho Niemeyer: a collection of Niemeyer-designed structures along the shore. This smaller, quieter city with easy access from Rio is a must-see for architecture buffs.
Address: Mirante da Boa Viagem, s/nº - Boa Viagem, Niterói, RJ, Brazil 24210-390, Brazil
Admission: Varies
From $ 100
Nazca Lines
The enigmatic Nazca Lines (or Nasca Lines) are second only to Machu Picchu as the most famous archaeological site in Peru. The mysterious geoglyphs at the UNESCO World Heritage Site range from geometric shapes and swirls to a hummingbird and monkey. Theories on their purpose include astronomical markers, irrigation canals, and alien messages—an enigma that has spurred intrigue since their 1927 discovery. The spectacular etchings likely date from 500 BC and 500 AD.
The Basics
There are two ways to see the Nazca Lines: from an airplane tour and from an observation tower. The tower is accessible from the Pan-American Highways and allows for views of two mysterious shapes from above: hands and a tree. Bus tours often stop here for a look at the lines, but those with more time and a bigger budget may want to book a flight. Air tours typically last 30 minutes and fly over 15 shapes, including the famous geoglyphs of a dog and an astronaut. It’s best to book in advance, as flights to this top attraction fill up quickly. Guided day trips around Nazca can include stops at local attractions including Huacachina Oasis.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Request a morning flight (before 10:30am) for best visibility.
- Book travel to Nazca Lines early, as it’s one of the top attractions in South America.
- If visiting on a cruise, look for Nazca Line shore excursion tours.
- Those flying to the site from another country may want to bring a passport and cash for the airport tax (sometimes included in tours).
- Nazca Lines flights operate from Nazca, Ica, Lima, Paracas, and Pisco, with flights from further destinations offering faster and more convenient transportation at higher prices.
How to Get There
While it’s possible to take a public bus from Lima to the high desert of southern Peru, it’s faster to get to the Nazca Lines via a 7-hour tourist shuttle. Look for tours that include round-trip transportation from Lima for convenience. If coming from Cusco, it’s best to fly to Pisco or Lima and take a shuttle from there; those coming from Arequipa can take a long bus ride to Nazca or fly to Pisco or Lima first. The Maria Reiche Neuman Airport is only used for viewing the Nazca Lines.
When to Get There
Tours of the Nazca Lines run year-round. You may get better views during the dry months, from June through August, but crowds will be smallest in early spring and fall.
The Pampa Lines
Though less famous, the Pampa de Jumana Lines are almost 1,000 years older and depict equally astonishing subjects, including people and a complex calendar created by the Parapas people. Some tours offer hour-long flights over both sites.
Address: Nazca, Peru
From $ 155
National Museum of Archeology (Museo Nacional de Arqueologia)
There is no doubt that Bolivia has a cultural authenticity much stronger than that of its surrounding neighbors. While Bolivia was subjected to conquest by the Spanish in the same way as the rest of Latin America was, the indigenous undertones in Bolivia are seemingly closer to the surface and more evident in everyday life. Perhaps it’s the fact that you still encounter merchants on the street for whom Spanish is a second language or those traditionally dressed women wearing bowler hats who have ceased to relinquish their cultural roots.
This cultural heritage is something to be treasured before it’s lost, and one of the first people to realize this was an Archbishop by the name of Jose Manuel Indaburo, the man credited as being responsible for founding the Bolivian National Museum of Archeology in 1846, with a small private collection. With so many artifacts of Bolivia’s various cultures - Tiwanaku, Mollo, Chiripa and Inca - being lost to Spanish conquest and European museums, Indaburo mandated that as many of these treasures as possible should remain at home in Bolivia.
The result of his efforts over 150 years ago have now yielded a Bolivian National Museum of Archeology which is located in the capital of La Paz and serves as an insightful look into the mystifying relics of Bolivia’s past. Wander the halls, gaze at artifacts dating back as far as 1,500 BC and trace the history of the indigenous peoples from eras long forgotten through the art which is still being produced today. A cultural sanctuary steeped in anthropological import and intrigue, there are few places better to gain an understanding of the various tribes and cultures which once sprawled across Bolivia than at the National Museum of Archeology.
This cultural heritage is something to be treasured before it’s lost, and one of the first people to realize this was an Archbishop by the name of Jose Manuel Indaburo, the man credited as being responsible for founding the Bolivian National Museum of Archeology in 1846, with a small private collection. With so many artifacts of Bolivia’s various cultures - Tiwanaku, Mollo, Chiripa and Inca - being lost to Spanish conquest and European museums, Indaburo mandated that as many of these treasures as possible should remain at home in Bolivia.
The result of his efforts over 150 years ago have now yielded a Bolivian National Museum of Archeology which is located in the capital of La Paz and serves as an insightful look into the mystifying relics of Bolivia’s past. Wander the halls, gaze at artifacts dating back as far as 1,500 BC and trace the history of the indigenous peoples from eras long forgotten through the art which is still being produced today. A cultural sanctuary steeped in anthropological import and intrigue, there are few places better to gain an understanding of the various tribes and cultures which once sprawled across Bolivia than at the National Museum of Archeology.
Address: La Paz, Bolivia
Hours: Monday-Friday: 9am-12:30pm and 3pm-7pm
Saturday: 9am-12pm
From $ 44
Niteroi
Nicknamed “The Smile City,” Niteroi is home to nearly 500,000 people and just a ferry ride away from the hustle and bustle of Rio. And while the soon-to-be-home of the summer Olympics definitely has a draw, travelers agree the charm of Niteroi sends plenty of visitors across the waters to its much more scenic shores.
In addition to exploring some of the country’s most secluded (and beautiful) beaches, travelers can wander the halls of Nitero’s Museum of Contemporary Art or take in a show at Teatro Popular. Some of the best city views can be found at Parque da Cidade, and catching sunset from this high up neighborhood is a must for couples in love. History buffs can also get their fill on tours of several area forts, including Fortaleza de Santa Cruz and Barao do Rio Branco.
Practical Info
Niteroi is located in the southeast region of Brazil across the Guanabara Bay from Rio de Janeiro. It is considered part of the city’s metropolitan area. It’s considered the country’s richest city and its name means “water that hides.” Niteroi is accessible via a 15-minute ferry ride from Rio or by traveling over Ponte Rio-Niteroi, Brazil’s longest bridge.
Address: Niteroi, RJ, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 645
Nemocón Salt Mines
Founded by Spanish settlers in 1537, the town of Nemocón in Colombia earned fame for its highly productive salt mine. Between 1816 and 1968, some 8 million tons of alt were extracted from the mine via a process of collecting water from the salt spring in clay vessels and allowing the liquid to evaporate.
The mine’s tunnels and chambers have been preserved, allowing visitors to learn about the history of Colombia’s salt mining industry while take in the spectacular saline formations. Attractions inside the mines include a 3,527-pound (1,600-kilogram) salt crystal carved into a heart shape and a cascade of salt. A small church within the salt mines hosts Catholic mass each Sunday.
Visitors wishing to learn more about the history and importance of salt in Colombia can visit the Salt Museum, located in one of Nemocón's oldest buildings.
Practical Info
The Nemocón Salt Mines are located 40 miles (64 kilometers) northeast of Bogota.
Address: Cundinamarca, Columbia, Colombia
Admission: Varies
From $ 32
National Theater San Salvador
Built between 1911 and 1917, San Salvador’s magnificent National Theater is not only one of the city’s principal landmarks, but a National Monument and the oldest theater in Central America. Designed by French architect Daniel Beylard, the building is among the capital’s most notable works of architecture, with its stately Neo-classical façade giving way to lavish French Renaissance interiors, including a grand mural by Salvadoran painter Salvador Carlos Cañas.
Today, the 650-seat theater remains the heart of Salvadoran performing arts, hosting an ever-changing schedule of classical concerts, theater, folk music performances and art workshops.
Practical Info
The National Theater San Salvador is located in downtown San Salvador, opposite the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Address: Delgado Street and 2a. North Avenue, San Salvador, El Salvador
From $ 25
National Palace
Built to replace the original, which was destroyed in a fire in the late 1880s, El Salvador’s current National Palace offers visitors a look at the politic, historical and national past. It is comprised of four main rooms and more than 100 smaller secondary ones, which provide visitors with a unique look at the historical, political and national past of this small South American country.
Travelers caution that many of the Palace’s rooms are now closed to the public despite the fact government offices haven’t operated here since the mid-1970s. But a tour of this famed landmark is still worth the stop, as the early 1900s furnishings and well-curated historical displays present a grander picture of the city’s colorful past. Be sure to check out the Salon Rojo, where the Foreign Ministry held its elaborate receptions; the Salon Amarillo, which once housed the president; and the Salon Rosado, which used to house the country’s Supreme Court.
Practical Info
The National Palace is located on Calle Rubin Dario. Admission to the palace is approximately $3. Tours are available both during daytime hours, as well as in the evening.
Address: San Salvador, El Salvador
Admission: $3 (adults)
From $ 25
Ojos del Salar
To understand the meaning of the words Ojos de Salar, you just need to know that a salar is a salt plain or lake and the ojo is its eye. In this case, the eyes of the salt plain are two small, perfectly round, freshwater lakes that open up seemingly in the middle of nowhere, about 20 miles from the town of San Pedro de Atacama. They are accessed from a sandy road, and these two freshwater lakes are commonly visited as part of a larger trip to two other lakes in the area, the Laguna de Cejar and Laguna Tebenquiche.
On still days, the Ojos del Salar act as perfect mirrors that reflect the desert. Tours to the area usually head out in the afternoon and stop here before moving on to other lakes, including Cejar, in which you can take a dip and enjoy the last bit of sunlight with with a cocktail in hand, if you can put down your camera for that long.
Practical Info
Although the lakes are close to San Pedro de Atacama, it makes sense to take a tour, as there are many criss-crossing paths in the area and it is easy to get lost. Winds rise and temperatures drop quickly here, so dress appropriately.
Address: Chile
From $ 39
National Naval Museum (Museo Naval de la Nacion)
Founded in 1892 and moved to Tigre in the 1940s as the collection grew, Buenos Aires’ National Naval Museum (Museo Naval de la Nacion) occupies a former maritime workshop on the banks of the Luján River.
The collection of some 4,000 pieces, divided among six different rooms, tells the story of Argentina’s maritime and naval history through scale models, maritime art, navigational charts, weaponry, biological specimens, nautical instruments, uniforms and personal items. A fascinating highlight includes miniature recreations of living spaces aboard various ships. Aviation buffs will appreciate the retired planes now displayed on the grounds, including that of a North American AT-6 “Texan” from 1939.
Practical Info
The informational displays within the museum are only in Spanish, so it might be a good idea to bring along a Spanish-English dictionary or translation app.
Address: Av Victorica 602, Tigre, Argentina
Hours: Tues-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm; Sat-Sun 10:30am-6:30pm
Admission: AR$10
From $ 34
Navarro Correa Winery
The Navarro Correa Winery in Mendoza dates back to the year 1798, when the first grapes were planted at the foot of the Andes by Don Juan de Dios, who would later become an important political figure in the area.
Nowadays, visitors come from all over the world for guided tours and tastings of the reds, whites and sparkling wines for which Navarro Correa is known, which are drawn from different plantations of grapes in the Tunuyan, Tupungato, Maipu, Ugarteche, Pedriel and Agrelo regions near Mendoza. The gleaming, minimalist architecture of the tasting area and installations built in recent years have also won the vineyard attention from architecture aficionados. The visitors’ center, which is nearly 8,000 square feet, houses a wine bar, two tasting rooms, the reception area, and space for art exhibitions. Navarro Correa’s dedication to art is also seen in their wine bottle labels, which have been designed by renowned Argentine artists. The vineyard is ecologically conscious, with systems in place for recycling of water, minimal waste production and minimizing the amount of energy used in wine production.
Practical Info
The unusual sparkling rosé made from Malbec grapes is one of the Navarro Correa Winery’s standout wines.
Address: San Francisco del Monte, Godoy Cruz, Mendoza, Argentina
From $ 150