Things to Do in Central And South America

From the outside, the Sao Bento Monastery and the Church of Nossa Senhora de Montserrat appear to be unassuming and even a bit austere, a nod to 16th century Roman Catholic chastity. Once inside, however, visitors can see how the elaborate nave, filigreed altar, and rococo wooden carvings speak to 16th century Roman Catholic fabulousness. Founded by a group of Benedictine monks—Sao Bento means Saint Benedict—that relocated from Salvador da Bahia in 1590, the current monastery and church complex was constructed by slaves over several decades, and who completed the work in 1671. Several of the sculptors and painters who worked on the intricate details of the church’s interior were monks as well.

Despite the overall architecture of the church and monastery being finished at the end of the 17th century, the monks continued to touch up the interior of the complex, most notably with the addition of enormous silver chandeliers weighing over 200 pounds each. Currently, the church offers guided tours, though only men may enter the monastery, and only at certain times. Conservative attire is required.

Whether you’re looking for the surf, the golden sands or to soar in the skies above, visiting Sao Conrado Beach is a highlight of Rio de Janeiro. Here in this affluent, oceanfront neighborhood that’s sometimes called Praia Pepino, visitors will find an eclectic combo of people, many of whom are surfers or paragliders. The juxtaposition of social classes is evident out on the streets—yet everyone seems to equally enjoy the combo of sunshine and surf.

Travelers who approach the relatively plain exterior of Francisco Church and Convent will be amazed by the ornate artwork, fine details and gilded ceilings upon entering this iconic colonial monument. Built in the early 1700s, the church took decades to complete. Its unique interior includes three aisles, rather than the more typical two, as well as some of the most impressive pillars, vaults and golden woodwork in the country. The classic Baroque style of Sao Francisco Church and Convent showcases one of the most spectacular examples of religious architecture and artwork, making it a destination for traveler seeking to experience the history, beauty and artistry of another era. 

You’ve heard all about Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity – and the tropical rainforest Sarapiqui Canopy is the place to experience it first-hand.

Home of the endangered green macaw, and a number of famous reserves including the Braulio Carrillo National Park, Sarapiqui’s river-filled fertile landscape is best discovered by boat cruise.

From the waterways you’ll spot monkeys, sloths, otters, turtles and all kinds of birds, including the quetzal.

The road of the seven lakes (Siete Lagos) is a spectacular 108 km (about 65-mile) drive in Argentina’s lake-dotted Patagonian lakes region. Route 234 runs from Villa La Angostura up to San Martín de Los Andes, not far from the undisputed capital and largest city of the region, Bariloche.

The seven lakes drive passes looming mountains, majestic lakes, waterfalls, turn-offs with emerald lagoons, beech forests, and even condor nesting areas. The seven lakes, going from Villa Lo Angostura, on the north shore of branched Lake Nahuel Huapi (Bariloche is on the south side) are the following: Nahuel Huapi, Espejo, Correntoso, Villarino, Falkner, Machónico and Lácar. Lago Escondido (which means hidden lake) is not technically on the route, but you can take a peek at it between Villarino and Correntoso all the same.

On this drive, you’ll also pass the Argentine national parks of Nahuel Huapi and Lanín, both of which are worth a visit. The best views are in autumn (in April and May) with the beech forests turning red and yellow.

Not to be confused with the island of South Seymour, more commonly referred to as Baltra (the location of the main Galapagos airport, as well as a military base), North Seymour is a small island that is flat and uplifted, unlike many of its volcanic neighbors. The most intriguing aspect of North Seymour for visitors is the renowned Blue-footed Boobies that inhabit the island. While walking along the visitor’s pathway, one can often catch the famous courtship dance of the boobies, along with incredible frigate birds, swallow-tail gulls, and other Galapagos birds. Watch along the coastline for marine iguanas and playful sea lions as well. Also be sure to take notice of the spectacular black-and-white lava rocks that surround the coast.

If you’re traveling to the Galapagos to dive, be sure not to miss the wonderful opportunities that Seymour has to offer. Keep your eyes open for Hammerheads, sea lions, the pacific green sea turtle, garden eels, and hundreds of beautifully colored tropical fish.

Part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley is a zone where an impressive multitude of magnificent stingrays with four-foot wingspans and six-foot nurse sharks congregate every day. As fishermen came to this area of the reef to clean out their catch over the years, nurse sharks and stingrays eventually began to gather regularly in search of the boats and their daily treats. The thrill is to swim in waters surrounded by these beautiful creatures. Shark Ray Alley is often best combined in a snorkel tour of Hol Chan and the Coral Gardens.

Stationed between the electric metropolis of Sau Paulo and the lively city of Rio de Janeiro lies the 260,000 acres of rural forest and mountain peaks that makes up Serra da Bocaina National Park. This precious preserve is home to natural Atlantic Forest vegetation and some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the region.

Ecotourism and outdoor adventure prove the main attractions at Serra da Bocaina, which attracts avid hikers from across the globe. Travelers can embark on a 16-kilometer hike to Bacia Peak and enjoy incredible views of the Paraiba Valley from atop the second tallest mountain in the range.  The slightly shorter, but equally popular, Cliff Trail winds through Enchanted Wood, passing hundreds of different indigenous plants, and ends at the Paredao’s Waterfall, where weary legs can cool off in chilly waters. The Stone House ruins, which were originally built in 1914 to house a visiting French doctor, lend a bit of interest to an otherwise easy trail marked by small river crossings and equally epic views (but without all the work).

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a unique natural ecosystem along the of the northern coast of Colombia. This majestic mountain range is the tallest coastal mountain range in the world, with the snow covered Simón Bolívar and Cristóbal Colón peaks rising 18,700 feet above sea level.

Amazingly, all the climatic zones and biomes present in Colombia can be found within the 6,600 square miles of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. That makes it an excellent place to come into contact with animals and plants from around the country in just one park. Jaguars, tapirs, páramo deer, condors, endemic parrots and important groups of endangered wildlife call the Sierra Nevada home.

The Sierra Nevada and Tayrona parks have a combined 300 recorded archaeological settlements along the coast and in the highlands. The largest is the Teyuna Archaeological Park, known as The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), testimony of the country’s most important ancient Indian civilization. At present, around 30,000 members of the Kogui, Arhuaco, and other indigenous communities continue to live in the park and maintain many ancestral beliefs and customs.

Hiking is the main tourist activity in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. In this virtually untouched paradise of animals and plants, visitors climb mountains, observe endemic plants and animals and explore indigenous cultures. Birding is also quite popular. The El Dorado Bird Reserve, located on the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, is the top birding site in Colombia. Some of the 21 endemic species that can be seen in the reserve and around the lodge are the Santa Marta Parakeet, Santa Marta Screech Owl and the Santa Marta Toucanet.

A birding lodge, trails, hummingbird and antpitta feeders, an observation balcony and six rooms make up the lodge and reserve. Hummingbird feeders and Antpitta feeding stations create excellent photo opportunities.