Choose from 1,039 Fun Things to Do in Central And South America
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Palacio de Bellas Artes
Constructed in 1910, at the height of Latin America's frilly neoclassical-meets-art nouveau architectural wave, the graceful Palacio de Bellas Artes still strikes an imposing figure amidst modern Santiago's cold skyscrapers. Its ornate stone facade, which would do any cathedral proud, and permanent artistic merit make it the perfect home for the National Museum of Fine Arts.
The permanent collection, displayed in the Palacio's soaring chambers, begins with the Spanish Colonial era and traces Chile's cultural development through the styles of its artistic masters. Temporary exhibitions come from around Chile and the world.
The MAC (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo), Santiago's contemporary art museum, is also here. While it University of Chile-operated institution may lack the gravitas of the neighboring Fine Arts Museum, exhibits can be a lot more fun.
Practical Info
The Palacio de Bellas Artes is located on the northern edge of the historic district, five blocks from the Plaza de Armas, close to the river. This busy neighborhood isn't the easiest to navigate with a car, but there are several metro stops nearby. The L5 green line serves the Bellas Artes stop, right in front of the building.
The Palacio's entry fee is included as part of a Turistik, which gives you a day's access to double-decker buses that circuit past most of Santiago's attractions. Guided Spanish-language tours of the museum can be arranged for groups with one week advanced notice.
Address: Parque Forestal s/n Casilla 3209, Santiago de Chile, Chile
Hours: Open Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 6:50pm
Admission: Ch600
From $ 38
Palo Verde National Park
Set of the banks of the Tempisque River, Palo Verde National Park (Parque Nacional Palo Verde) contains more than 15 topographical zones, including mangrove swamps, evergreen forests, and tropical dry forests. The park is a haven for migratory birds, bats, and 250 species of bees, plus mammals like jaguarundis (cat) and howler monkeys.
The Basics
Most tours of Palo Verde National Park include lunch and round-trip transportation from Tamarindo or Liberia area hotels. Much of the park can be explored by boat and excursions typically include a river cruise, during which you can travel down the Tempisque River and spot wildlife, such as crocodiles, birds, and monkeys.
Some tours also feature a visit to a Costa Rican waterfall or include a stop for bird-watching at one of the park’s marsh habitats. For a personalized experience, private tours are also available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Palo Verde National Park is a must-see for nature lovers.
- Mosquitoes are plentiful, especially during the wet season. Be sure to pack bug repellent.
- The park’s ranger station is open from 8am until dusk and has restrooms available for visitors.
- Palo Verde National Park is a haven for many species. As such, be careful not to disturb wildlife as you explore.
How to Get There
Palo Verde National Park lies roughly one hour from Liberia and two hours from Tamarindo by road. Public transportation is limited; it’s possible to arrive by private vehicle or on a guided tour. The Tempisque River can be explored on guided boat excursions.
When to Get There
You can visit Palo Verde National Park year-round. During the wet season, many migratory birds can be found in the park, while wildlife tends to congregate around shrinking waterholes during the dry season. Due to the park’s climate, there is a chance of flooding during the wet season, which typically lasts from May through November.
Biodiversity in Palo Verde National Park
More than 60 bird species use the area as a migratory stop, and there are also about 75 mammal species, 55 reptile and amphibian species, and roughly a quarter of the world’s bee species. The bees, along with a number of other insects and many species of bats, can be found at the Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve, which lies adjacent to Palo Verde.
Address: Palo Verde National Park, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Palais de Glace
The Palais de Glace, French for “ice palace,” was built in the early 20th century as an ice skating rink and social club catering to the city’s high society at the time. As the popularity of ice skating waned, tango quickly became the new trend, and the circular building was converted into an oak-floored dance hall, where some of the most important orchestras of the time performed.
Today, the Belle Époch building in the Recoleta neighborhood houses an always-changing selection of cultural, historical, musical and artistic exhibitions, as well as the National Visual Arts Exhibition (Salon Nacional de Artes Visuales). The building has been listed as a National Historic Monument since 2004.
Practical Info
Palais de Glace is open Tuesday to Sunday from noon to 8pm, and admission is free.
Address: Posadas 1725, CABA, Argentina C1112ADE, Argentina
Hours: Tue-Sun Noon-8pm
From $ 37
Paraty Bay
About 36,000 people call the Portuguese colonial town of Paraty home. Its quiet streets, colorful homes, European influence and historic roots attract visitors from across the globe. But it’s Paraty’s easy access to lush forests, untouched coastlines and pristine mountains that make it a true travel destination.
Stationed on the Bay of Ilha Grande, Paraty is the southernmost city in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Visitors can kayak or cruise through placid waters and explore the tiny islands scattered throughout the bay. And land lovers can check out nearby Serra da Bocaina National Park and Serra do Mar State Park, for a look at indigenous plants and wildlife.
Practical Info
February is the wettest month of the year, so travelers looking to explore the outdoors should either pack accordingly, or visit between March and January.
Address: Paraty, RJ, Brazil 23970-000, Brazil
From $ 43
Panama Viejo Ruins
Long before smallpox, conquistadors, and Catholicism made the Americas safe for European occupation, a group of Spanish sailors laid claim to the indigenous settlement of Panamá, "Land of Plenty." It was August 15, 1519, and they had no sense of what their tiny village would one day become.
Though Panama City is considered "Oldest Permanent European Settlement on the Pacific," the original Panamá Viejo (Old Panama) was abandoned after a devastating 1671 attack by Captain Morgan's pirate army. Today, you can wander its worn remains, including the old cathedral and several stone buildings and walls.
The juxtaposition with modern Panama City, visible across the bay, is startling. Fascinating finds from ongoing archaeological excavations are displayed at the onsite museum.
Though Panama City is considered "Oldest Permanent European Settlement on the Pacific," the original Panamá Viejo (Old Panama) was abandoned after a devastating 1671 attack by Captain Morgan's pirate army. Today, you can wander its worn remains, including the old cathedral and several stone buildings and walls.
The juxtaposition with modern Panama City, visible across the bay, is startling. Fascinating finds from ongoing archaeological excavations are displayed at the onsite museum.
Practical Info
Buses to Panamá Viejo leave from the Avenida Central terminal (at Avenida Justo Arosemena), the same terminal serving Tocumen International Airport, throughout the day. Taxis are inexpensive and convenient.
Address: Calle 85 Este and Vía Cincuentenario, Panamá City, Panama
Hours: 9am – 4:30pm Monday to Saturday, 9am to 1pm Sunday
Admission: US$6
From $ 15
Parque 93
Parque 93 is more than a grassy square in the center of Bogotá. It is one of the centerpieces of the city with great restaurants, exciting nightlife and outdoor activities. Many locals come here for a walk, for a sporty outing and a picnic with friends or decide to attend one of the numerous events. Not only are there are regular festivals and art installations taking place under the shady trees, but the park is often frequented by Bogotá’s wealthy. Thus, if you plan on a night out in Parque 93, be prepared to be surrounded by the local jet set crowd.
Head to Bardot Bar, which is popular with the Colombian models and actors, or pop in at the Bogota Beer Company, where you can get some of the city’s best brews. At El Salto Del Angel you can grab both a steak and prove your salsa skills on the dance floor. Classic Colombian parties can be found at Kukaramakara and El Sitio, which are a favorite among the local crowd and feature local bands.
Practical Info
Parque 93 can be found between Calles 93A and 93B and Carreras 11A and 13, just north of Zona Rosa. The closest Transmilenio stop is Virrey, which is about 1.5 kilometers away, but once there or if you feel like switching venues, it is easiest to get around the neighborhood on foot.
Address: Carrera 13 entre 93A y 93B, Bogotá, Columbia, Colombia
From $ 30
Paracas History Museum
Don’t be put off by its diminutive size – the tiny Paracas History Museum is home to some of Peru’s most fascinating archaeological finds. The museum has made headlines all around the world for its display of elongated human skulls, discovered by Peruvian archaeologist Julio Tello in 1928.
The unique skulls have divided opinion, with some claiming them as proof of alien existence, some insisting they are fake and others concluding that they are mere anomalies. The reality is likely a little less dramatic – the skulls were probably a result of head-binding traditions among Peru’s ancient indigenous cultures. Whatever your opinion, the collection of bizarrely formed skulls is utterly captivating and while there’s little else of interest in the museum, it’s worth a detour to take a peek.
Practical Info
Paracas History Museum is located in central Paracas and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5.30pm. Entrance is 10 Sol.
Address: Avenida Los Libertadores J1 Lote 10, Paracas, Peru
Hours: Tues-Sun: 9am-5.30pm
Admission: 10 Sol
From $ 57
Panama Canal
The first ships sailed through the Panama Canal in 1914, shaving nearly 9,000 miles off what was otherwise a very long sailing trip around South America. The engineering marvel transformed global trade, and today, 100 years after it was first installed, the canal has once again been expanded with new locks and widened existing ones, modernizing Panama Canal transit by allowing larger ships to pass from Panama City on the Pacific Ocean side to Colon on the Atlantic Ocean side.
The Basics
The best way for Panama visitors to see the canal is to literally get in the middle of it—on a transit or partial transit tour at sea level, travelers can experience the sensation of cruising directly through the canal, watching as the locks fill with water and your ship passes steadily through the three sets of double locks: the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks on the Pacific side, plus the Gatún locks on the Atlantic side. Between the locks is the artificial Gatún Lake (Lago Gatún), created by the Gatún Dam across the Chagres River (Rio Chagres), and the Culebra Cut, the narrowest section of the canal, hewn out of the mountains. It's also possible to see the locks by train, as you pass by the banks and through pristine rain forest en route to Gatún.
How To Get to the Panama Canal
Arrive at the canal via boat, train, bus, or car. The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center has parking, but most visitors arrive as part of a group sightseeing tour with a tour guide.
When To Get There
The morning hours and late afternoon are the best times for actually watching a ship pass through the canal.
Nearby Attractions
The Basics
The best way for Panama visitors to see the canal is to literally get in the middle of it—on a transit or partial transit tour at sea level, travelers can experience the sensation of cruising directly through the canal, watching as the locks fill with water and your ship passes steadily through the three sets of double locks: the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks on the Pacific side, plus the Gatún locks on the Atlantic side. Between the locks is the artificial Gatún Lake (Lago Gatún), created by the Gatún Dam across the Chagres River (Rio Chagres), and the Culebra Cut, the narrowest section of the canal, hewn out of the mountains. It's also possible to see the locks by train, as you pass by the banks and through pristine rain forest en route to Gatún.
Most full- and half-day tours include roundtrip transportation and a visit to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center, a museum that tells the story of this incredible engineering feat through exhibits. The center's restaurant, theater, and terraced decks also provide comfortable vantage points for watching ships pass through. It's also possible to visit the Gatún locks (about an hour from Panama City) to learn about the Panama Canal expansion.
- By booking ahead with a guided tour, there's a much higher likelihood of actually seeing the famous Panama Canal in action.
- Guided boat tours provide the full experience of traveling the Continental Divide
- Travelers can make self-guided visits to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center in Panama City and the Canal Expansion Observation Center in Colon on the Caribbean Sea.
- Stop in for a meal at the Miraflores Restaurant at the Panama Canal to dine while viewing the ships cruise by.
Arrive at the canal via boat, train, bus, or car. The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center has parking, but most visitors arrive as part of a group sightseeing tour with a tour guide.
When To Get There
The morning hours and late afternoon are the best times for actually watching a ship pass through the canal.
Nearby Attractions
A few tours depart from the town of Gamboa, situated at the end of the Gaillard Cut on the Chagres River in the Gamboa Rainforest. Neighboring SoberanÌa National Park, home to diverse bird species, sloths, and jaguars, is often visited along with a native Embera village. The Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador) is also worth a trip; this narrow strip of land is a popular spot for recreation.
Address: Panama
Hours: Daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 50
Parque Arvi and Piedras Blancas
Medellin is certainly marvelous, but there may be times when you just want to hop into a gondola and float above the urban jungle and into the untamed mountains. Happily, this is one city where that’s not only possible, but also easy and inexpensive.
The Medellin metrorail system connects directly to the Arvi Cable Cars, which soar right from the train station above some of the city’s rougher neighborhoods, stopping briefly close to the ultra-modern Spanish Library. The final leg of the photogenic journey crests a misty ridge high above town, then delivers you quietly to a new brand-new conservation area.
This expansive park of beautiful wildflowers and lush premontane forest is crisscrossed with several kilometers of hiking trails. Hire guides or pick up a free map at the stand next to the cable cars. An adjacent private reserve, operated by architecturally striking Piedras Blancas Ecological Hotel (also accessible by car) is part of the project to return this region to the wild. On weekends, when the place gets packed with picnicking families, booths are filled with organic farmers and local craftspeople maintain selling their wares. Just don’t miss the last cable car back to the bottom!
The Medellin metrorail system connects directly to the Arvi Cable Cars, which soar right from the train station above some of the city’s rougher neighborhoods, stopping briefly close to the ultra-modern Spanish Library. The final leg of the photogenic journey crests a misty ridge high above town, then delivers you quietly to a new brand-new conservation area.
This expansive park of beautiful wildflowers and lush premontane forest is crisscrossed with several kilometers of hiking trails. Hire guides or pick up a free map at the stand next to the cable cars. An adjacent private reserve, operated by architecturally striking Piedras Blancas Ecological Hotel (also accessible by car) is part of the project to return this region to the wild. On weekends, when the place gets packed with picnicking families, booths are filled with organic farmers and local craftspeople maintain selling their wares. Just don’t miss the last cable car back to the bottom!
Address: Via a Piedras Blancas, Colombia
Hours: M-F 6:30am - 8:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm
Admission: Cable Car: 2,500 pesos (<$2 USD)
From $ 41
Parliament Palace (Palacio Legislativo)
Prior to 1973 and since 1985, Uruguay's Parliament Palace, or Palacio Legislativo, in Montevideo has served as the seat of the country's Chamber of Senators and General Assembly.
The Palacio Legislativo was inaugurated on Aug. 24, 1925, which coincided with the centennial of the country’s Declaration of Independence. In 1975, the Legislative Palace was declared a National Historic Monument. The impressive palace was designed in a neoclassical style, with noted Greek influence in its exterior facades. Despite Uruguay’s small physical presence in South America, no expense was spared in creating what is considered one of the most beautiful governmental palaces in the world. Parliament Palace includes a variety of luxury materials, including ornamental wood objects, Carrara marble and porphyry and bronze. Carvings, Venetian mosaics, stained glass and various sculptures complement the luxurious materials.
Inside the Palacio Legislativo, look for murals and laminated gold ornamental details. Many rooms of the palace showcase an important collection of paintings. One of the main points of the building is the Hall of Lost Steps, which includes a beautiful dome and skylight, highlighted by ornate stained glass work. The government complex also houses a public library of ornate decorative touches, carved hardwoods and one of Uruguay's most important collections of books.
In addition to those of the Senate, General Assembly and House of Representatives, legislator offices are also located in the palace and annex building nearby. Those in the annex can reach Parliament Palace via an underground tunnel.
Practical Info
Parliament Palace is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Guided tours in Spanish and English are available at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Address: Av de las Leyes, Montevideo, Uruguay
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm
From $ 20
Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum
This popular museum and top Panama City attraction is located inside a stunning, well-restored colonial building that once housed the French and U.S. companies charged with building the canal. Visitors interested in learning more about the famous waterway can wander the halls of this beautiful four-story white and green structure where displays showcase information about the political, social and historical impact of the iconic Panama Canal. Although signage is in Spanish only, English-speaking guest can opt for audio tours for a small additional fee.
Practical Info
The museum is located at 5 Calle Este in Panama City. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is US$2.
Address: Calle 5a Este, Panama City, Panama
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Admission: US$2
From $ 10
Paraty House of Culture (Casa da Cultura)
The colonial mansion that houses Casa da Cultura, dates back to the middle of the 18th Century, making it an ideal place to explore the rich history and traditions of this colorful community. Halls are lined with artifacts from an extensive permanent collection, including historic photographs, video interviews with famous Paraty residents, and unique carpets made from flower petals that were once used in the Corpus Christi festival. The pieces on display at Casa da Cultura are worthy of a visit, but incredible views of the neighborhood from the upstairs gallery are what make this site truly spectacular.
Practical Info
The Casa da Cultura is located at Rua Dona Geralda 177. It is open Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.
Address: Rua Dona Geralda 177, Paraty, Brazil
Hours: Wed-Mon 10am-6:30pm
From $ 30
Parque Arauco
Santiago’s Parque Arauco mall is huge. Set on two levels, there are more than 20 restaurants, and you’ll see global brands like Starbucks, Nine West, and the Gap dotted along its two floors. There’s also a luxury stores district where you can shop at the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Mont Blanc, and Emporio Armani, and there’s an entertainment zone that includes a cinema with 3D, 4D, and premium screens, an ice-rink, a bowling alley, and Mori Cultural Center and Theater.
Parque Arauco is also home to an outdoor boulevard with restaurants and stores. And after 9pm in the evening, live music performances often take place al fresco, too. Other notable spots include Chilean department store giants like Falabella, Ripley, and Almacenes Paris, and Tottus supermarket.
Practical Info
To reach Santiago’s Parque Arauco by public transport, take the subway to Escuela Militar (line 1), then transfer to bus 11 or 20 — they stop at the mall. Foreign visitors can pick up cards with exclusive discounts and benefits at over 100 of the mall’s stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Address: Parque Arauco 5501-5545, Maipú, Región Metropolitana, Chile 5601, Chile
Hours: Retail Stores: Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sundays & Holidays 11am-9pm
From $ 38
Palomino Island
Lima isn’t exactly a city you usually equate with wildlife. After all, this is the same country with the Amazon basin and its staggering biodiversity, so the thought of finding wildlife in the capital might seem a little bit strange. Believe it or not, however, there are a number of enthralling wildlife experiences that can be found right here in Lima—a city best known for its cosmopolitan and colonial sites on shore. Perhaps the best wildlife experience in Lima is visiting the Palomino Islands, a rocky collection of small islets off the coast of Callao. Step aboard a comfortable boat for a cruise to the offshore islands, where thousands of sea lions gather to swim and sun themselves on the rocks. If the water is calm enough and you’re feeling brave, take the plunge to swim with the sea lions as they flop and jump all around you. You’ll also find colonies of Humboldt penguins and an impressive amount of birdlife, including pelicans, tern, and dive-bombing cormorants who are constantly hunting for fish. In addition to the wildlife, cruises also provide a scenic tour of the neighboring coastline and islands, including San Lorenzo that’s been an historical haven for priests, politicians, and pirates.
Practical Info
Boat tours to the Palomino Islands depart from the port of Callao. It can take 30 to 60 minutes to reach the islands depending on weather and conditions, and since water temperatures usually range between 60 and 70 degrees, it’s a good idea to use the wetsuits that tour operators will provide. Be sure to take preventative medication if you know you’re prone to motion sickness, and while tours run during all times of the year, December-April is generally considered the most comfortable time to visit.
Address: Peru
From $ 94
Palermo
Buenos Aires’ largest barrio, the northeastern district of Palermo is one of the city’s most affluent and fashionable neighborhoods. Known for its beautiful parks, grand monuments, and art museums, Palermo is where porteños (locals) come to eat, shop, and party, with a buzzing nightlife and some of the city’s top restaurants, bars, and cafés.
The Basics
Most Buenos Aires city tours make a stop in Palermo, as well as neighborhoods such as La Boca, San Telmo, and Puerto Madero. Bike tours are a popular way to explore, and the most scenic route takes you through the Palermo Woods, passing the Botanical Gardens, the Japanese Garden, the planetarium, and the Floralis Genérica sculpture
Things to Know Before You Go
- Many of the smaller shops in Palermo don’t open until 10am and are closed on Sundays.
- Most of Palermo’s museums are closed on Tuesdays.
- Palermo’s large size means walking isn’t always possible, but taxis are easy to find, especially around the main plazas.
How to Get There
Located in the northeast of Buenos Aires, Palermo is well served by public transport. A number of buses run through the neighborhood, and the main metro (subte) stations are Palermo, Plaza Italia, and Scalabrini Ortiz.
When to Get There
There’s something to do at all hours in Palermo. During the day, you can explore museums or browse the shops around Plaza Serrano; at night, head to Palermo Hollywood to party until the wee hours. Many shops and attractions are closed on Sundays, when locals pack a picnic and head to the parks instead.
Subdistricts of Palermo
The vast barrio of Palermo is split into multiple subdistricts, each with its own unique character. In the east, Palermo Chico is the most exclusive quarter, lined with luxurious mansions and home to the MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art in Buenos Aires). Palermo Viejo is the historic center, which includes Palermo Soho, a lively shopping and dining area centered on Plaza Serrano, and Palermo Hollywood, known for its bars and nightclubs. Las Cañitas lies on the border of Belgrano and has some of the city’s best restaurants and parrillas (steakhouses).
Address: Argentina
From $ 6
Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge
Lima, with a population of nearly 10 million people when counting the metro suburbs, isn’t exactly the first place you’d pick for a natural wildlife refuge. Here at Pantanos de Villa, however, over 200 different species of birds all flit through the wetlands spanning 650 acres outside the Chorillos suburb. On the winding network of walking trails, visitors with binoculars can encounter dozens of species in the span of a couple of hours. Scan the reeds for Black Skimmers, Herons, and Puna Ibis, and look in the water for Great Grebes of Neotropic Cormorants. Many of the birds here are migratory and sightings change with the seasons, and the months of December and January brim with seagulls lining the coast. 11 species of amphibians and reptiles can also be found in the reeds, although unfortunately as the city continues to grow, the manmade threats to Pantanos de Villa are literally encircling the marsh. Nature lovers with a stop in Lima should definitely visit this biodiverse sight before it’s potentially too late—although local conservation groups continue to work to do everything they can towards protecting the fragile site.
Practical Info
Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge is located 12 miles south of downtown Lima in the working class district of Chorillos. The site is accessible by private taxi or as part of a guided tour, or—if you would prefer to travel by public transport—it’s possible to travel by metro or bus when combined with a little bit of walking. Admission is approximately $2.50 for adults and $1.25 for children, and the refuge is open from 8:30am-4:30pm daily.
Address: Chorrillos, Lima, Peru
Hours: Open from 8:30am-4:30pm daily
Admission: Admission is approximately $2.50 for adults and $1.25 for children
From $ 45
Palermo Viejo
Palermo Viejo is the old quarter of Buenos Aires’ largest barrio, Palermo. The old residential area is well worth visiting to stroll past grand buildings and gardens, and get a sense of the enclave’s increasing modishness as a current Buenos Aires' hot spot.
Drop into trendy cafes and fashion boutiques on Plaza Serrano, and unwind in the area’s many parks clustered around Avenue del Libertador.
The city’s main polo field is also in Palermo Viejo.
Practical Info
Palermo Viejo is north of Recoleta in northern Buenos Aires. The quarter is bound by Avenue Santa Fe and Avenida Dorrego, and is divided into several enclaves: Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood and Palermo Chico.
The D-line subway runs to Palermo from central Buenos Aires.
Address: Plaza Palermo Viejo, Buenos Aires 1414, Argentina
Admission: Free
From $ 35
Parque Central
Located in the center of Antigua, Parque Central is the major outdoor area in the town. Considered one of the most beautiful in the country, the park is the place where people meet up for an afternoon of relaxation and nice weather.
By day, vendors line the tree-covered walks, selling their wares. By night, mariachi or marimba bands set up shop, entertaining passersby with their live music.
Be sure to check out the fountain, which was originally created in 1738. Although a replica, the 1936 reconstruction maintains the original's posterity.
By day, vendors line the tree-covered walks, selling their wares. By night, mariachi or marimba bands set up shop, entertaining passersby with their live music.
Be sure to check out the fountain, which was originally created in 1738. Although a replica, the 1936 reconstruction maintains the original's posterity.
Practical Info
If visiting on a Sunday, prepare for crowds. Streets on both the east and west sides are closed to traffic.
Address: Between 4a Calle and 5a Calle, Guatemala
From $ 20
Paraty Historic Center
Visitors looking to escape the sun and instead, soak up a bit of Paraty culture will enjoy exploring the cobbled streets of the town’s compact Historic Center. Small enough to cover entirely on foot, the area if filled with a number of attractions unique to Paraty.
Spend an afternoon people watching in the grassy lawns of quaint Martiz Square or wandering through streets lined with old colonial architecture. A handful of churches are worth a visit, including Ingera Marriz Nossa Senhora do Rosario, the largest church in Paraty, and Capela de Nossa Senhora das Dores, religious home to Paraty’s well-heeled. After church-hopping, head to Rua do Comercio, where local merchants hawk handicrafts and Brazilian cuisine. Then unwind with incredible bay views at the Shambhala Asian Day Spa, just a 10-minute walk from the Historic Center.
Spend an afternoon people watching in the grassy lawns of quaint Martiz Square or wandering through streets lined with old colonial architecture. A handful of churches are worth a visit, including Ingera Marriz Nossa Senhora do Rosario, the largest church in Paraty, and Capela de Nossa Senhora das Dores, religious home to Paraty’s well-heeled. After church-hopping, head to Rua do Comercio, where local merchants hawk handicrafts and Brazilian cuisine. Then unwind with incredible bay views at the Shambhala Asian Day Spa, just a 10-minute walk from the Historic Center.
Practical Info
The Historic Center of Paraty is bordered by R. Domingos Goncalved de Abreu to the west, R. Josephina Girail Costa to the north, R. Fresca to the east and R. Aurora to the south.
Address: Paraty, Brazil
From $ 30
Palacio del Ayuntamiento
The Palace of the City Council (Town Hall), or El Palacio del Ayuntamiento, was constructed in 1743 and once served as the Spanish colonial government seat and an 80-person jail during the
colonial era. Today, it is home to Antigua’s municipalidad, or city government, the Museo del Libro and the Museo de Santiago. One of the most impressive elements of the Palacio del Ayuntamiento is its two-story façade.
The double layer of stone archways with columns was done in a Tuscan style, which contributes to the building’s striking appearance. A portion of the carved-stone exterior of the east-facing
wall managed to survive the 18th century, though centuries of earthquakes contributed to the need for restoration efforts at the palace.
Palacio del Ayuntamiento was heavily damaged in a 1773 earthquake, and the capital seat was then transferred to Guatemala City. The Museo de Armas de Santiago, an arms and weapons museum, is housed in the section that once served as the jail. The Old Book Museum, or Museo del Libro Antiguo, is in the same area where the first Central American printing press once stood and includes a replica of the printing press, along with copies of works produced by it.
Be sure to head upstairs and check out the scenic views from the second-floor balcony, where you can see the Central Plaza, Metropolitan Cathedral and the three volcanoes surrounding the
city.
Practical Info
El Palacio del Ayuntamiento is open weekdays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. While admission to the Palacio del Ayuntamiento is free, each of the two museums is about 10 quetzals each.
Address: 4 Calle Poniente, Antigua, Guatemala
Hours: Weekdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: 10 quetzals
From $ 140