Choose from 1,039 Fun Things to Do in Central And South America
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Plaza Caicedo
A charming mix of old and new, Plaza Caicedo is a fitting showcase of modern Cali and as the central hub and main navigational landmark, most visitors will start their tour of the city from here.
Once the epicenter of the colonial city, Plaza Caicedo’s stately architecture lends the square an air of grandeur, with the snow-white facades of the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral looming over the south and east corners. But the square is also full of life, teeming with street artists, food carts and shoeshine boys, and making a popular picnic spot for locals, with its central gardens shaded by towering palm trees and linked by star-shaped walkways.
Practical Info
Plaza Caicedo is located at the center of downtown Cali, between Calle 11 and Calle 12.
Address: Carrera 4 # 11-1, Cali, Valle Del Cauca, Colombia
From $ 35
Planetarium Cusco
The Planetarium Cusco is one of the most unique planetariums in the world. Housed in a humble Andean adobe home, the family-run planetarium sits on a Cusco hillside amid the archeological site Saqsayhuaman and the Llaullipata ecological reserve. From this wonderful locale, you can explore the mysteries of the universe as told through the eyes of the Inca.
The Basics
In a domed projection room, passionate local astronomers offer deep knowledge and fascinating stories as they guide visitors through the cosmos, explaining how the Inca saw and interpreted the stars. Using the rotating sky to guide their everyday life, the Inca were advanced and creative astronomers, finding Southern Hemisphere constellations like the Southern Cross and Orion's Belt as well as their own personalized groupings such as a baby llama, a puma, a toad, and a condor. After the educational presentation and tour—and depending on the weather conditions—you can peek through powerful telescopes to glimpse stars, planets, nebulae, and constellations.
Travelers have the choice to visit this singular planetarium alone, or as part of an evening tour of Cusco that also includes the San Pedro market, the illuminated historic center, and a restaurant for a traditional Peruvian dinner.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The planetarium is suitable for all travelers, including families with young kids.
- Tours may include round-trip hotel transport, entrance fees, a local guide, and, depending on the tour, dinner and a Pisco sour. Gratuities and other extras aren’t include, and some tours require a minimum of two people.
- Independent travelers will need to self-book in advance so that planetarium staff is prepared.
How to Get There
The Planetarium Cusco is located up a hill, about a 15-minute drive from the historic center. It’s easily accessible by taxi—just ask your hotel. Tours include round-trip transfer from your hotel.
When to Get There
Open year-round, the planetarium welcomes visitors Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4pm.
Expert Inca Stargazers
The science of astronomy was deeply important to the Inca, who worshipped the sun and the moon as gods and connected it to agricultural planning and sacred ceremonies. Their stargazers identified constellations, sorting them in two groups: shapes linked in the classic connect-the-dots way to form “inanimate” animals, Gods, and mythological figures; and those formed by the dark spots of the Milky Way, the so-called “animate” animals.
Address: Av. Pardo 800, Cusco, Peru
From $ 23
Plataforma
It might not be Carnaval time in Rio but it is always Carnaval time at Plataforma. This lively Brazilian restaurant is where to get your fix of razzle and dazzle all year round.
The colorful show tells the story of Brazil's history (with Portuguese, Indian and African influences) through song and dance (including samba), with a highlight being the Brazilian drums. The finale involves a sparkling parade of outfits reflecting the yellow, blue, green and white of the Brazilian flag.
The show is family friendly although it does end sometime between 11:30pm and 12:30am, so not for the 'early to bed' crowd.
Practical Info
Due to the late finishing time it is a good idea to have transport home from the show pre-arranged or to go with a tour who will take you back to your hotel.
To get there you can catch the 415 bus or a taxi, Ipanema is the closest metro but it isn't in walking distance.
Address: Adalberto Ferreira, 32, Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hours: Show nightly at 10pm
Admission: R$100
From $ 229
Peruvian Amazon
The sprawling Peruvian Amazon covers more land than most people think, making up over half of Peru and running from east of the Andes Mountain all the way to the borders of Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. With rain forest activities to embark on (think riverboat adventures, nature treks, and canoe trips) and tons of exotic wildlife to see, there are dozens of reasons to venture into the Amazon jungle on an adventure tour.
The Basics
A vast wilderness of lush rain forest and indigenous lands, the Amazon is an ideal destination for adventurous travelers who like to explore nature, often for days at a time. The area is most often visited on a multi-day Amazon cruise that takes visitors into some of South America’s greatest wilderness, or on a three- or four-day tour that includes overnight stays at a jungle eco lodge and a short trip down the river. Airport transport and an expert guide are often included.
What to Do and See in the Peruvian Amazon
Many multi-day tours from Iquitos offer adventures into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve and river activities such as canoeing, piranha fishing, and swimming alongside pink river dolphins or giant otters. Travelers to the southern region can embark on guided hikes through Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, the Tambopata National Reserve, or the UNESCO-listed Manu National Park. The Amazon is also prime ground for wildlife spotting—expect to see a colorful array of bird life and everything from howler monkeys to tapir prowling through the jungle.
Things to Know Before You Go
Here are just a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
- Although dry season (May to October) is known as the best time to visit the jungle due to fewer rainy days, the rain forest is warm year round. Expect high humidity levels.
- Before visiting the Amazon Basin, check with your doctor about possible recommended vaccinations.
- Guided jungle tours are recommended, as tours guides are knowledgeable when it comes to navigation, general safety, and the local tribes.
- You’re going to want to carry insect repellent.
How to Get There
The northern town of Iquitos serves as the most popular gateway into the Peruvian rain forest thanks to its proximity to the mighty Amazon River. Tours are also available from Puerto Maldonado, a city set in the south on the Madre de Dios River tributary. Shorter single-day Amazon tours may depart from Chachapoyas and Oxapampa, while some longer comprehensive Peru tours start in Lima and guide visitors through the Amazon to Cusco, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu.
Address: Amazon, Peru
From $ 250
Pelourinho
Pelourinho is Salvador’s original colonial center and was Brazil's first slave market. Its name is derived from the post or pillory that African slaves were tethered to and whipped by their Portuguese overlords.
Despite containing the largest concentration of Baroque architecture in the Americas, Pelourinho was a seedy no-go zone until the mid-1980s largely due to drugs and prostitution.
Since being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Pelourinho has been restored to some of its former glory along with plenty of restaurants, bars and open-air cafes from which to sit and drink in the colorful and architecturally rich surrounds.
Practical Info
It’s possible to walk around Pelourinho’s main sights within a couple of hours but to truly appreciate the history and interiors of some of the most impressive buildings (and visit at least one museum!), you’ll need to allow a day or two.
To get here, catch any bus marked Praça da Sé (Pelourinho).
Address: Pelourinho, Salvador da Bahia, Brazil
Hours: Open daily
From $ 34
Pisac Indian Market
The Pisac Indian Market is one of the most popular and picturesque of the indigenous markets in the Cusco region. Travelers from all over the world make the pilgrimage to this mountain town to purchase all manner of textiles, ceramics, jewelry, ponchos, rugs, hats, gloves, Andean instruments, ceramics, alpaca and llama woven clothing, and a host of lovely souvenirs.
The Basics
This atmospheric village, snug inside the Sacred Valley of the Incas, was once a lofty citadel protecting the Inca Empire from invaders. These days, the only invaders are friendly ones—shoppers looking for beautiful handicrafts and housewares from talented local artisans.
Travelers have many options: you can explore the Pisac Indian Market as part of private or group half-day, full-day or multi-day tours that incorporate other attractions inside the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including the archeological sites on the way to Machu Picchu.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bargaining for prices is expected; feel free to offer what you feel is a fair price, while considering the skill and time that goes into making the wares.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking on uneven stone pathways.
- Because of the high altitude, be sure to stay hydrated and take it slow. Chewing on coca leaves or drinking coca tea helps alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Many tours include ground transportation, transfers, entrance fees, camping and hotel accommodations, and guides. Check individual tours for precise arrangements.
- Tours operate in all weather conditions, so remember to dress appropriately. Bring sweaters for colder months and a rain poncho for rainy season, generally January through April.
How to Get There
The Pisac Indian Market is in the mountain town of Pisac, which is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northeast of Cusco in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Minibuses run from Cusco and take about an hour; hire a cab or join a market tour. Tours include round-trip transport from your hotel.
When to Get There
The Pisac Indian Market is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, but nothing compares to Sundays when the market expands exponentially. Arrive in the morning so you can catch a mass (conducted in both Quechua and Spanish) attended by artisans in vibrant garb; Sunday hours are 9 am to 5pm.
Visit the Pisac Ruins
Combine a market visit with a tour of the nearby Ollantaytambo ruins, the Inca Temple of the Sun, and a fortress made of gigantic 12-foot (3.5-meter) stones, mysteriously placed to perfection. Hike about an hour from Pisac to the ruins, which are perched dramatically on a magnificent mountain top.
Address: Pisac, Peru
From $ 32
Playa Conchal
Whether it’s the feeling of seashells squishing softly between your toes as you walk, or the masseuse’s hands kneading into your back as waves splash gently on the coast, Playa Conchal has a calming feel that encapsulates pura vida. This mostly undeveloped, somewhat hidden beach has a South Pacific feel, where turquoise water beautifully blends with the pinkish hue of the sand. Grab a snorkel mask and dive right in to swim with colorful reef fish, or explore the length of the beach on horseback while enjoying a saddle-view sunset. With the exception of the all-inclusive luxury resort on the beach’s northern end, Playa Conchal is serenely empty and a welcome break from the crowds. Beachgoers who want a little more action can hang around the resort, where jet ski rentals and mobile vendors help bring Conchal to life. Or, if the only sounds you want to hear are wind, waves, and your footsteps, take a leisurely stroll down the beach to find your own private spot. While Playa Conchal is definitely one of Guanacaste’s best beaches, there’s plenty of it to go around for every visitor to enjoy.
Practical Info
Playa Conchal is located 30 minutes from Tamarindo and an hour from the airport at Liberia. Aside from the all-inclusive resort, there are budget accommodations in Brasilito a 15 minute walk up the beach. To access Playa Conchal itself, you can either make the enjoyable stroll from the beach at Brasilito, or drive on the sand at lower tide and hope you don’t get caught.
Address: Playa Conchal, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
From $ 85
Perito Moreno Glacier
The beauty of Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia has earned it the nickname of the "Eighth Wonder of the World” in Argentina. It’s the planet's third-largest reserve of fresh water and one of the continent's last advancing glaciers, slowly making its way in crackling celestial blue from the granite spires of the Chilean Torres del Paine into Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park (Parque Nacional Los Glaciares).
The Basics
One of the most accessible ice fields on the planet, Perito Moreno sits at the top of many travelers’ must-see list in Patagonia. While many visitors are content to stay on solid ground and observe the ice from a series of platforms across the Iceberg Channel (Canal de los Tempanos) from the glacier, more adventurous travelers can explore the inlet on a boat tour, or don crampons and head out onto the ever-shifting ice field itself. The Glaciarium, located in El Calafate, serves as an excellent introduction to the science of glaciers.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This natural wonder is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure travelers.
- Marvel at the ice from afar, or get a closer look with a boat ride or ice trekking adventure.
- A full-day tour of the glacier from El Calafate can last anywhere from six to 12 hours depending on the chosen options and activities.
- Dress in warm layers, as the national park can be chilly, even during the Argentine summer.
How to Get to Perito Moreno Glacier
El Calafate, a town about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the glacier, is served by El Calafate International Airport, with regular service from cities in Argentina and Chile. While a vast majority of visitors head to the glacier as part of a guided tour, once you're in El Calafate, you can catch a bus to the glacier (as well as other points in Los Glaciares National Park).
When to Get There
Summer in Argentina (wintter in the Northern Hemisphere) is the most popular time to visit the glacier, as the weather is warmest. While temperatures cool down in October, March, and April, the tradeoffs are sparser crowds and a more peaceful environment for communing with Mother Nature. If you travel between May and August, expect frequent rain and average temperatures around 36° F (2° C).
Hear the Thunder
One of the most magical experiences at Perito Moreno Glacier is hearing the thunderous crack of ice as a berg is birthed into the channel. This glacier is one of the best places from which to take in the phenomenon. It happens most frequently on sunny days in the late afternoon after the sun has had time to warm the ice.
Address: Ruta 11, El Calafate, Argentina, Argentina
Admission: Free
From $ 42
Petropolis
Petropolis was the mountain getaway for the imperial court, popular in summer when the coast became hot and muggy. Nestled 3,000ft (800m) high in the Serra dos Órgãos it is a few degrees cooler than at sea level.
It’s a kooky place as the rainforest is filled with European alpine architecture and the gorgeous Museu Imperial would not be out of place in Austria. Other buildings of note include the cathedral, which offers excellent views from the steps and the glasshouse (Palacio Cristal) imported from France for Princesa Isabela’s orchids.
Along Rue 16 de Marco there are lots of eateries and Rua Theresa is known for clothes shopping. If you’re after more strenuous activities you can also hike and mountain bike in the surrounding mountains.
It’s a kooky place as the rainforest is filled with European alpine architecture and the gorgeous Museu Imperial would not be out of place in Austria. Other buildings of note include the cathedral, which offers excellent views from the steps and the glasshouse (Palacio Cristal) imported from France for Princesa Isabela’s orchids.
Along Rue 16 de Marco there are lots of eateries and Rua Theresa is known for clothes shopping. If you’re after more strenuous activities you can also hike and mountain bike in the surrounding mountains.
Practical Info
Buses leave hourly from Rio de Janeiro and the trip takes about 1.5 hours. Once in town there are buses although it is easy to visit most of the highlights on foot in under 4 hours.
Address: Petropolis 25600, Brazil
From $ 59
Plaza de Armas
The site on which the city was founded back in 1541, Plaza de Armas is both the heart of Santiago de Chile’s historic district and the epicenter of the modern city. The leafy, palm-fringed plaza is surrounded by grand monuments and architectural landmarks, and it’s abuzz with activity at all hours of the day and night.
The Basics
Whether you choose to explore the capital on a walking tour, cycle between the sights on a bike tour, or customize your own itinerary on a private tour, a Santiago city tour isn’t complete without a stop at the Plaza de Armas. Santiago tours often combine a half-day tour of the historic center with a cable car ride to the top of San Cristóbal Hill, a tour of the atmospheric Bellavista neighborhood, or wine tasting in the nearby Maipo Valley. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, hop-on hop-off bus tours also connect the Plaza de Armas with other Santiago attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plaza de Armas is a must for all first-time visitors to Santiago.
- There are a number of cafés and restaurants around the square, but for budget options, try the surrounding streets.
- As in all large cities, keep an eye on your belongings—pickpockets are common around the square.
- The Plaza de Armas hosts various festivals, events, and markets throughout the year, including Santiago’s Independence Day celebrations.
- Santiago’s main tourist office is located at the north end of the square.
How to Get to There
Most of Santiago’s central attractions and hotels are within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas, and the towering spires of the plaza’s Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago (Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago) are hard to miss. Numerous buses stop on and around the square, while the closest metro station is Plaza de Armas on the L5 green line.
When to Get There
The Plaza de Armas is busy at any time of day or night, and if you’re staying in the city, you’ll likely pass through at several times during your stay. For crowd-free photos of the square’s buildings, an early morning visit is the best chance, while weekend afternoons are the liveliest time, with live musicians and street performers providing entertainment.
Plaza de Armas Landmarks
The magnificent 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago stands proud at the northwestern edge of the square, opposite which is the Central Post Office (Edificio del Correo Central), housed in the stunning former Presidential Palace. Next door is another national monument, the neoclassical Town Hall, while just off the main square, the colonnaded facade of the 20th-century Palace of Justice (Palacio de los Tribunales de Justicia de Santiago) is another photo-worthy sight.
Address: Plaza de Armas, Santiago Centro, Santiago de Chile, Chile
Admission: Free
From $ 18
Plaza Botero
You’ll see his art everywhere around Colombia: large women, round-faced children and wide-eyed animals. It’s the life work of Fernando Botero, the beloved Colombian artist famous in his home country and around the world.
A visit to Medellin, where Botero was born, provides the chance to see these works in larger-than-life surroundings. The appropriately named Botero Plaza, opened in 2002, is an outdoor park that forms an important cultural space in the city. It’s also close to other important museums, like the Museum of Antioquia with art from all over Latin America, and the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture, where exhibitions and concerts are held.
The 80,729 square feet (7,500 square meters) of Botero Plaza are home to 23 giant bronze sculptures (donated by Botero himself) within reach so that people can touch them—some people even climb on them! These sculptures, created using the lost wax method, are organized into five main types, focusing on body parts; relationships between men and women; animals; and mythic creatures like the sphinx. The sculptures tend to have short names that are direct and dynamic, like Woman with Fruit, The Hand, Man on Horseback, Maternity and Roman Soldier.
The busy plaza is also a great place to try local foods, like obleas, empanadas and green mango cut in strips and served with salt and vinegar. It’s also a good place to browse for souvenirs and do some serious people-watching.
Practical Info
This plaza, located at Carrera 52 con Calle 52, Medellín, is easy to get to by metro. As in many other cities around the world, be careful with your belongings when visiting the plaza. Admission is free.
Address: Carrera 52 con Calle 52, Medellin, Colombia
From $ 20
Piedra Pintada
If visiting the Anton Valley, the Painted Rock (Piedra Pintada) is a must-see attraction. Located at the foot of the La India Dormida mountain, this large boulder has an underside covered with pre-Columbian petroglyphs.
Rumor has it that the Painted Rock tells the history of the area, but since no one has been able to decipher the petroglyphs, it’s still just a theory. Everyone that visits tends to just come to his or her own conclusion.
Whatever the accurate tale, this is also an ideal place for a long hike through the forest along the nearby river, which gives visitors the opportunity to see animals, butterflies and birds. To get the most out of the area, go with a guide that can tell you about the wildlife you’ll encounter along the way.
Practical Info
Buses can be caught from Anton Valley to the end of Calle La Pintada to get to the Painted Rock. The area is always open, and admission costs $2.
Address: Sendero de la Piedra Pintada, Valle de Anton, Panama City, Panama
Hours: Daily
Admission: $2
From $ 100
Pisaq Potato Park
Located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, Pisaq Potato Park encompasses nearly 30,000 acres (12,000 hectares) of high-altitude Andean land where local residents manage and conserve one of their most important agricultural resources: potatoes. Some 700 varieties of potatoes grow within the park, many of them endemic to the region. Six Quechua communities joined forces on the conservation project with the aims of eradicating hunger, promoting gender equality and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Visitors to the Pisaq Potato Park can choose between three- or five-day guided treks through the park, or a single-day visit which includes a hands-on tour of a potato farm, a meal made from a variety of local Peruvian potatoes and visits to some of the communities involved in the project. The park also offers a cooking class using local potato varieties.
Practical Info
Pisaq Potato Park is significantly higher in altitude than Pisaq — something to keep in mind when deciding between a multi-day trek or day tour.
Address: Pisaq, Peru
Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30am-8:30pm
From $ 180
Piquillacta
At 3,250 meters above sea level, and just 30 km (18 miles) from the highland Peruvian city of Cuzco, best known for being the jumping-off point for visiting Machu Picchu, Piquillacta makes a great day trip. It is a mainly adobe pre-Incan ruin that was in use by the Wari people as an administrative center from 550 to 1100 AD. The site is extensive, spread out over 13 square miles, and is part of an archaeological park that also includes the Rumicolca Ruins. The center of the area is the remains of a lake, the Laguna de Huacarpay, where birdwatching is popular, though everyone, birdwatcher and non- will enjoy the expansive views over the valley below.
The ruins are interesting in that they are multi-storied, and in many areas there are remains of the plaster used to cover the walls. There are many areas where human remains were found, possibly as offerings, though many items have been removed from the area. The civilization surrounding Piquillacta was agrarian in nature, and there are remains of maize and beans, and it is believed that the Wari ate llama and cuy (guinea pig) as part of their diet. The remains of aqueducts and irrigation ditches can also be seen.
Practical Info
An hour or two guided tour is probably enough time for the average visitor, and travelers can easily combine this tour with one that visits the areas of Tipon, Pisac and Andahuaylillas for a full-day excursion.
Address: Piquillacta, Peru
From $ 31
Petrohu e Waterfalls
Massive cascades of Petrohué Waterfalls pour through the lush, volcanic landscape, flowing across dramatic basalt formations, brought to the surface eons ago by snowcapped Osorno Volcano. Its naked peak rises photogenically above the falls, two fantastic natural attractions protected as part of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.
The chill river, which flows between Lago Todos de los Santos and and Lago Llanquihue, doesn't hold much appeal for bathers; most visitors are content to hike around the pastoral countryside. Keep an eye out for "torrent ducks" however, tiny but tough birds who can navigate the rapids with a dozen chicks in tow.
Practical Info
The Petrohué Waterfalls are located close to the Lago de los Todos Santos, on the eastern slopes of Osorno Volcano, just within the borders of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. The vast majority of visitors visit on a day trip, as all but the hardiest travelers will need private transportation and a guide.
However, if you're planning to make the incredibly scenic border crossing between Puerto Montt, Chile, and Bariloche, Argentina, you have another option. The bus-boat-bus trip is offered as a package from either city, and can include visits to several scenic, difficult-to-access spots (including the waterfalls) en route.
Address: Chile
Admission: Free
From $ 161
Pedro de Osma Museum (Museo Pedro de Osma)
Originally founded in 1948 to showcase the vast private collection of aristocrat Pedro de Osma Gildemeister, the Museo Pedro de Osna took on its current name in 1987 and has since earned itself a reputation as one of the city’s most intriguing museums. Located in the Barranco district of Lima, close to the Bridge of Sighs, the museum is housed in the ornate Palacio de Osma, a stately mansion encircled by landscaped gardens and decked out with intricate wood inlay floors, hand-painted frescos and exquisite stained-glass windows.
The permanent collection of the Museo Pedro de Osna includes an array of Peruvian art, sculptures, colonial furnishings and silverware, spread throughout a series of richly decorated theme rooms. Items date from the 16th to 19th century, with a strong focus on religious art from the Cuzco, Arequipa and Ayacucho regions, including works painted on varied materials, among them linen, metal, wood, glass and leather. Highlights include the dazzling Silver Gallery, a number of beautifully preserved antique altarpieces, the 18th-century Virgen de Pomato painting and a selection of wooden furniture inlaid with pearls.
Address: Avenida Pedro de Osma 423, Lima, Peru
Admission: Varies
From $ 10
Pepino Beach
Located on the southwest end of Sao Conrado Beach, Pepino Beach rounds into a picturesque cove, with lush vegetation and the granite mountains of Pedra da Gavea and Pedra Bonita rising behind it.
But besides being a lovely strip of sand, Pepino Beach is most commonly known as the landing spot for Rio’s hang-gliders and paragliders. Adrenaline-seekers jump from a platform atop Pedra Bonita before gracefully landing at Pepino Beach, and those interested in watching these daredevils in flight can get a perfect view on the water.
Wedged between Ipanema and Barra da Tijuca, Sao Conrado and Pepino beaches are usually less crowded alternatives to the famous shores of Copacabana and Ipanema. With plenty of white sand, gorgeous views and crashing waves sometimes suitable for surfing and boogie boarding, Pepino Beach is a great place to kick back and enjoy a day on the shore.
But besides being a lovely strip of sand, Pepino Beach is most commonly known as the landing spot for Rio’s hang-gliders and paragliders. Adrenaline-seekers jump from a platform atop Pedra Bonita before gracefully landing at Pepino Beach, and those interested in watching these daredevils in flight can get a perfect view on the water.
Wedged between Ipanema and Barra da Tijuca, Sao Conrado and Pepino beaches are usually less crowded alternatives to the famous shores of Copacabana and Ipanema. With plenty of white sand, gorgeous views and crashing waves sometimes suitable for surfing and boogie boarding, Pepino Beach is a great place to kick back and enjoy a day on the shore.
Practical Info
Pepino Beach is located on the southwest end of Sao Conrado Beach on Estrada de Sao Conrado. Street parking is available, but usually fills up in the morning.
Address: Brazil
From $ 66
Pet en Forest
This northeast region of Guatemala contains about 30% of the country’s land but only 3% of its population. The area was mostly isolated until the 1960s but has always been the home of dozens of Mayan archaeological sites, as well as tropical swamps, jungles, and rain forests teeming with unique wildlife and plant life.
Birds such as toucans, hummingbirds, and hawks are common, as well as mammals such as the ocelots, jaguars, and monkeys, and hundreds more colorful reptile and insect species. Ancient mahogany trees and dense jungle canopy much of the forest. The area is considered endangered, and conservation of the rainforest’s unique biodiversity has only recently come to the forefront as the human population continues to expand. Forty percent of the forest is protected under the Maya Biosphere Reserve.
The Lago de Petén Itzá and the town of Flores are the hubs within Petén Forest from which to explore the area. The highlight for most visitors is a trip to the impressive ruins of Tikal, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Practical Info
The Petén region of Guatemala is bordered by Belize on the east and by Mexico in the north. Its capital, Flores, can be reached via Guatemala City by bus or plane. The flight time is 50 minutes from Guatemala City, and driving time is approximately 8 hours.
Address: Guatemala
From $ 68
Playa Flamingo
There was once a time when Playa Flamingo was nothing but mangroves and sand, but an influx of modern, high end development now dots the white sand coast. Love it, lament it, loathe it, or live it, the best thing to do in Playa Flamingo is simply relax and enjoy it. Playa Flamingo’s sugary shoreline is sheltered by Punta Salinas, and sandwiched between Portrero Bay and the town of Brasilito. Deep sea fisherman flock to the town for some of the world’s best angling, and at the nearby Catalina Islands, snorkelers and divers can spend the day with turtles, manta rays, or dolphins. As with much of the Guanacaste region, Playa Flamingo is a welcome combination of tranquility and first world comforts. You can leave a winding trail of footprints on a beautiful golden beach, or fill the day with golf, shopping, and exceptional dining by night. You can search for monkeys and Leatherback turtles in the nearby national parks, or spend the entire day floating or swimming in the protected bay. While nearby towns such as Tamarindo are a haven for visiting surfers, Playa Flamingo is better suited for swim trunks, mask, and snorkel. And, since modern development has brought improvement to access and local roads, shopping, nightlife, and modern pursuits are only a short drive away.
Practical Info
Playa Flamingo is 30 minutes from Tamarindo and an hour from Liberia’s airport. High season is from November-April when the coast is sunny and dry, and rainy season peaks in September with periodic floods.
Address: Playa Flamingo, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
From $ 85
Plaza Bolivar
This shady park, centered on a trickling fountain and statue of Simon Bolivar, is a more local hangout spot than the upmarket cafes taking over Plaza Santo Domingo. The benches are full of pensive-looking old men, and wandering baristas make their rounds, selling sweet sips of “tinto,” black coffee, for a few pesos. The afternoon entertainment might well be an itinerant preacher saving souls for centavos.
Of course, it’s a fine place for travelers just looking for a shady spot to relax. The square is surrounded by some of the city’s prettiest buildings, and you’ll be able to buy the same shell jewelry, woven hats, beautiful watercolors, and Botero knockoffs from Plaza Bolivar’s vendors as you would anywhere else within the city walls.
Of course, it’s a fine place for travelers just looking for a shady spot to relax. The square is surrounded by some of the city’s prettiest buildings, and you’ll be able to buy the same shell jewelry, woven hats, beautiful watercolors, and Botero knockoffs from Plaza Bolivar’s vendors as you would anywhere else within the city walls.
Address: Carrera 4 and 5 at Calle 38, Cartagena, Bolivar, Colombia
From $ 12