Choose from 1,039 Fun Things to Do in Central And South America
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Parque Principal (Plaza de Armas)
At the heart of activity in Chiclayo, one of Peru's liveliest cities despite being only its fourth-largest is Parque Principal (Plaza de Armas). From sunup to well past sundown, this attractive green space is buzzing with activity, and it's impossible to visit the city without spending at least some time here.
The relatively small park, like many Plazas de Armas in Peru, sits beneath the shadow of a cathedral, this one a neoclassical, white, double-domed structure with a history dating back to 1869. Across the way is the city hall.
Some of the best times to visit Parque Principal are on weekends or during the evenings, when locals come out to gather around park benches and snack on street foods, creating a festive atmosphere.
Practical Info
Since Parque Principal is such a major landmark in Chiclayo, it's a good place to meet up if your group gets separated.
Address: Chiclayo, Peru
From $ 26
Palacio Salvo
Constructed in 1928, Palacio Salvo is a historical landmark building done in a predominantly Italian Gothic-style, with classic and neo-romanticism influences as well. It was built by Italian immigrant Mario Palanti, and is located at the intersection of Plaza Independencia and 18 de Julio Avenue.
For decades, it was the tallest building in South America, and still remains an iconic symbol of the city, even being depicted on many postcards. Today, it is not only considered a "must-see" attraction; it's also a fully-furnished apartment that visitors and locals can rent out for short to medium lengths of time.
For a sweeping view of the city, visitors can take an elevator ride to the top of the palace, free of charge. Afterwards, stop at Cafe Salvo on the ground level for an invigorating cappuccino.
For decades, it was the tallest building in South America, and still remains an iconic symbol of the city, even being depicted on many postcards. Today, it is not only considered a "must-see" attraction; it's also a fully-furnished apartment that visitors and locals can rent out for short to medium lengths of time.
For a sweeping view of the city, visitors can take an elevator ride to the top of the palace, free of charge. Afterwards, stop at Cafe Salvo on the ground level for an invigorating cappuccino.
Address: Intersection of 18 de Julio Avenue and Plaza Independencia, Montevideo, Uruguay
From $ 32
Penguin Island
Known as Penguin Island, Isla Yecapasela is colonized by cute flocks of Magellanic and gentoo penguins.
A working nature reserve, the Yecapasela Reserve was created on the island (also known as Isla Martillo) and surrounding islets by Estancia Harberton in the 1970s.
The island was formerly home to the estancia's cattle and sheep, and since their removal in the 1960s the penguin numbers have soared. Sharing the islands with cormorants, the penguin colonies are flourishing in this safe environment. The breeding season begins in early October, and ends with the annual migration northwards in April.
From the shoreline you can spot black and white Magellanic penguins, shyer gentoos and possibly a visiting king penguin or two.
A working nature reserve, the Yecapasela Reserve was created on the island (also known as Isla Martillo) and surrounding islets by Estancia Harberton in the 1970s.
The island was formerly home to the estancia's cattle and sheep, and since their removal in the 1960s the penguin numbers have soared. Sharing the islands with cormorants, the penguin colonies are flourishing in this safe environment. The breeding season begins in early October, and ends with the annual migration northwards in April.
From the shoreline you can spot black and white Magellanic penguins, shyer gentoos and possibly a visiting king penguin or two.
Practical Info
Penguin Island is on Isla Yecapasela at Estancia Harberton, 85km (52 miles) east of Ushuaia, 40 nautical miles by sea.
Tours sail from Ushuaia, sometimes continuing on to the estancia homestead.
A limited number of groups are permitted to walk with the penguins. Accompanied by a guide and following a designated trail, these specially regulated tours leave from Estancia Harberton's homestead, 15 minutes from the island by boat.
Tours sail from Ushuaia, sometimes continuing on to the estancia homestead.
A limited number of groups are permitted to walk with the penguins. Accompanied by a guide and following a designated trail, these specially regulated tours leave from Estancia Harberton's homestead, 15 minutes from the island by boat.
Address: Argentina
Hours: Open daily, Oct 15 - Apr 15, 10am - 7pm
From $ 110
Pirangi Cashew Tree (Cajueiro de Pirangi)
At first glance, it seems as if you're looking at an intricate forest"” but this massive network of branches is actually just one cashew tree whose circumference measures 500 yards, producing over 60,000 nuts per year. It holds the Guinness Book of World Records spot for the biggest cashew tree in the world.
Covering an area of nearly 8,000 square meters and roughly the size of 70 normal-sized cashew trees, it can be difficult to distinguish between the original tree trunk and the rest of the tree. The massive branches extend sideways and eventually also take root and continue to grow across the land around it. Though its exact origins are unknown, it is believed to have grown due to a genetic abnormality and is over 1,000 years old. If accompanied by a tour guide, visitors are allowed to pick cashews right from the tree. There is also a large observation deck 10 meters high that allows for a panoramic view of the tree.
Practical Info
The Pirangi Cashew Tree is located in the district of Pirangi do Norte, Parnamirin City, in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. It is accessible from nearby Pirangi Beach. Admission fees of R $4 cover the maintenance of the tree.
Address: Pirangi, Natal, Brazil
Admission: R $4
From $ 27
Pinacoteca Station (Estaçao Pinacoteca)
Located in downtown Sao Paulo, the Estaçao Pinacoteca is one of Latin America's most important museums. It is in an early-20th century brick building, with large, arching windows, located in front of a lovely park. Today, the exposed brick structure has modern walkways that take visitors to different galleries. The permanent collection is mostly Brazilian artists, featuring different styles and mediums, from paintings, to statues, to graphic art. Rotating exhibitions range in theme, from Afro-Brazilian art, to modernism, sculpture and more. The space is also home to shows and concerts.
The buildings hold a lot of history; it was once used by the military dictatorship as the offices of the Political and Social Order Department, which suppressed political and social movements. Many of Brazil's political activists of the 60s, 70s, and 80s were detained there. There's a permanent exhibition at the Pinacoteca called the Resistance Memorial, which uses personal testimonies, photographs, preserved jail cells of political prisoners, and other pieces of history to remember this difficult time in Brazilian history.
Practical Info
Estaçao Pinacoteca is located at Praça da Luz, 2 in the Luz neighborhood of Sao Paulo and is open Wednesday"“Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., visitors must enter the museum by 5:30 p.m. Admission is R$6 for adults, R$3 for students, and free for children under 10 and seniors over 60.
Address: Praça da Luz, 2, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Hours: Open Wednesday"“Sunday from 10 a.m. "“6 p.m.
Admission: R$6 for adults, R$3 for students, and free for children under 10 and seniors over 60
From $ 78
National Palace
This stoic structure in the heart of Guatemala's capital city was built in 1939 entirely by local hands and using only local materials. As a result, the National Palace offers up an homage to Guatemalan heritage and is ranks tops among the buildings prized by locals. Its green-tinged exterior is a nod to the favorite color of the former dictator's wife, and the result of concrete and copper used to cover the exterior to avoid painting. As a result, it's affectionately known by some locals as 'The Big Guacamole.'
An impressive bronze plate at the entrance to the Palace marks a spot known as 'Kilometer 0.' According to residents, this is the official starting point of all roads in Guatemala. Travelers will find a beautiful courtyard at the center of the five-story building, which is surrounded by five archways on every side. A touching Monument to Peace is located in the center of the palace to commemorate the end to the nation's most recent civil war. Because the National Palace is also home to a national museum, travelers will find unique and historically significant artifacts like the first switchboard and hand painted murals depicting scenes from the nation's past. Be sure to check out the stained-glass windows along the presidential balcony and the palace salon, used only for ceremonial events.
Practical Info
The National Palace is located off the Parque Central in the center of the city. English language tours are conducted daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Address: 5A Calle, Guatemala City, Guatemala
From $ 34
Playa Blanca
For a tropical paradise experience, Playa Blanca is about as good as it gets. A short boat ride from El Rodadero beach on Santa Marta, this calm beach away from the larger concentrations of tourists is ideal for leisurely swimming as well as snorkeling and water sports like banana boats or mini diving classes.
Every day boats head out in the morning from the El Rodadero beach. The boat ride is a bit rough and fast but is an adventure to remember. There are no docks when you arrive at Playa Blanca, so be ready to jump from the boat.
Playa Blanca is set in a protected bay with mountains rising in the background. As its name suggests, the sandy beaches are white and are lined with palm trees. Thatched roof huts, ranging in size from individual to large buildings, line the beach. The smaller ones near the water are available to rent for the day, and don't be afraid to haggle to get a good price.
As on nearly all the beaches in Colombia, vendors will come along to offer necklaces, pearls, cocktails and beachside massages. That gives a chance to see the local culture and cuisine. Try Colombia's version of ceviche or taste delicious cocktails like Coco Loco. Some huts offer a seafood lunch, usually fried fish with coconut rice and plantain.
At Playa Blanca, kick back and enjoy the incredibly clear water and beautiful white sand beaches with a cocktail in hand.
Every day boats head out in the morning from the El Rodadero beach. The boat ride is a bit rough and fast but is an adventure to remember. There are no docks when you arrive at Playa Blanca, so be ready to jump from the boat.
Playa Blanca is set in a protected bay with mountains rising in the background. As its name suggests, the sandy beaches are white and are lined with palm trees. Thatched roof huts, ranging in size from individual to large buildings, line the beach. The smaller ones near the water are available to rent for the day, and don't be afraid to haggle to get a good price.
As on nearly all the beaches in Colombia, vendors will come along to offer necklaces, pearls, cocktails and beachside massages. That gives a chance to see the local culture and cuisine. Try Colombia's version of ceviche or taste delicious cocktails like Coco Loco. Some huts offer a seafood lunch, usually fried fish with coconut rice and plantain.
At Playa Blanca, kick back and enjoy the incredibly clear water and beautiful white sand beaches with a cocktail in hand.
Practical Info
From the El Rodadero beach, small boats leave every day at 9 a.m. and usually return around 4 p.m. A visit to Playa Blanca is often included in tours to the El Rodadero Aquarium.
Address: Playa Blanca, Colombia
From $ 39
Nariño Palace (Casa de Nariño)
Bolivar. Nariño. Santander. Many of Colombia's most prominent names have all had ties to Casa de Nariño, Colombia's Presidential Palace. Built in a Neoclassical style, the palace is located in La Candeleria"”Bogotá's popular historic district"”and decorated with furniture, paintings and sculptures that date back to second century Rome and Renaissance era treasures. Even without visiting inside the palace, travelers are treated to an architectural treat outside, where fountains, sculptures and the Plaza de Armas all add to the regal exterior. Noticeable, of course, are the many guards who vigilantly stand watch by the palace, where their crisp uniforms and colorful hats form a festive, though serious, atmosphere. While the President no longer lives in the building, it's still the site of executive offices and Colombia's top politicians, and is the frequent site of ceremonies welcoming groups of visiting dignitaries.
Insider Tip: The thrice-weekly changing of the guard is best viewed from the east side of the palace and doesn't require reservations. For the best viewing, arrive 15 minutes prior to the guard change, which takes place at 4pm on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Practical Info
Guided tours are free of charge and last about 45 minutes. Tours take place at 9am, 10:30am, 2:30pm and 4pm, Monday-Friday, or 2:30pm and 4:30 pm on weekends.
To arrange a guided tour on your own, proper paperwork must be submitted at least a week in advance. Or you may visit as part of a sightseeing tour of Bogota's historic downtown. When visiting inside the Casa de Nariño, no bags are allowed inside and photography is prohibited.
Address: Avenida Carrera 7, Bogota, Colombia
From $ 65
Paseo de las Musas
Some might say that the city of Chiclayo is short on touristic sights, while others will claim that the comfortable city is a sight unto itself. Simply walking about town and experiencing everyday life is one of the best ways to experience Chiclayo, and the best place in the city for a casual stroll is the manicured Paseo de las Musas.
To enter this pedestrian thoroughfare, walk beneath a monument of four white columns that tower 20 feet over the park. The well-landscaped floral arrangements make this a romantic local escape, and the multiple plazas and wide walkways create a comfortable atmosphere for people watching. What makes the walkway so unique, however, are the nine statues of ancient muses that are found in Greek mythology. On a sunny day, while enjoying a picnic in the grassy, shaded promenade, the entire area takes on the feel of a classical European plaza, and the Paseo de las Musas becomes the perfect place for killing time in Chiclayo.
Practical Info
Paseo de las Musas is located in the center of the city of Chiclayo, only a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas. It is open 24 hours, has free admission and is accessible by both local bus as well as a private taxi.
Address: Paseo de las Musas, Chiclayo, Peru
Hours: Daily
From $ 26
Morro do Careca (Bald Hill)
This large sand dune located in the center of the city of Natal has become the main symbol of the city and the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Pictures of Morro do Careca grace the front of most all Natal postcards.
Covered in part by lush green vegetation, it rises 120 meters from the ground below at the southern end of Ponta Negra beach"”one of Natal's most popular. Its combination of rich Atlantic forest and smooth sand surface gives it its name, due to a visual likeness to a bald head. Once a popular recreation spot for skibunda (sand boarding,) it is now prohibited to climb the hill for the natural preservation of the forest and for erosion prevention. Colorful Brazilian fishing boats called jangadas dot the coastline beneath it. Morro de Careca remains a iconic place for beach-goers and photos.
Practical Info
Morro do Careca is located at the southern end of Ponta Negra beach in the Ponta Negra neighborhood of Natal.
Address: Ponta Negra, Natal, Brazil
From $ 27
Pipa Beach
Considered to be one of Brazil's ten most beautiful beaches, Pipa Beach (Praia da Pipa) is in fact not one beach, but four beaches, that between them stretch for over 10km (6.2mi).
Backed by coconut palm plantations, sand dunes, cliffs and Atlantic forest, the beaches are spectacular, while the warm waters of the surrounding ocean attract native turtles and dolphins.
Pipa first became popular with surfers in the 80s and its fame spread, causing the little beach town of the same name to grow accordingly. Pipa town is now the place to party and traditional Brazilian music (as well as non-traditional!) is a nightly feature here. The town is also good for shopping.
Pipa is surrounded by natural beauty and there are plenty of adventure activities available here to help you experience it first-hand.
Practical Info
Pipa Beach is about 80km (50mi) south of Natal in Tibau do Sul.
Address: Tibau do Sul, Brazil
From $ 32
Museum of Colonial Art (Museo De Arte Colonial)
A short stroll from Plaza Grande, the Museum of Colonial Art (or Museo de Arte Colonial) is in a restored 17th century mansion and includes a fine collection of 16th to 18th century paintings, sculpture and furniture.
Works by renowned "˜Quito School' artists Miguel de Santiago, Manuel Chili (the indigenous artist known as Caspicara), and Bernardo de Legarda feature along with some of Quito's finest colonial art.
Works by renowned "˜Quito School' artists Miguel de Santiago, Manuel Chili (the indigenous artist known as Caspicara), and Bernardo de Legarda feature along with some of Quito's finest colonial art.
The Museo de Arte Colonial is not open on Sunday or Monday.
Practical Info
The Museo Arte Colonial is in the Old Town on Cuenca street where it crosses with Mejía, two blocks to the northwest of Plaza Grande.
Address: Cuenca 415, Quito, Ecuador
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
Petencito Zoo
The Petencito Zoo, located on two small islands just east of Flores, offers visitors the chance to encounter local wildlife such as ocelots, pumas, jaguars, spider monkeys, lizards, and crocodiles.
A suspension bridge connects the two islands. Colorful native birds such as the scarlet macaw and toucan can also be spotted here. The zoo maintains various forested trails to walk through as you look for the animals, and several local trees and shrubs can be seen throughout.
Signs in Spanish, English, and Mayan identify the different species. A visit to the zoo grants the opportunity to see the local wildlife from a much closer perspective. Expansive views of the surrounding lake add to the scenery and experience. One trail leads up to a treehouse outlook of the water and surrounding jungle. There are concrete water slides that lead into the lake, though some advise against their use.
Practical Info
The Petencito Zoo can be reached via cayuco (small motorized boat) hired from Flores. It is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Admission is 40 Guatemalan Quetzel. Camping is permitted.
Address: Lake Peten Itza, Santa Elena, Flores, Guatemala
Hours: Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.
Admission: Admission: 40 Guatemalan Quetzel
From $ 120
National Palace
A National Monument and among the city's most impressive buildings, the National Palace is one of Cali's most photographed attractions, demanding attention from its perch at the head of the central Plaza de Caicedo. Built in 1928, the Palace's French-influenced Neoclassical design was the work of Belgian architect Joseph Martens and the four-story building is unmissable, with its ornate chalk-white façade capped with a slate-grey roof and dome.
Today, the National Palace serves as the Administrative Court of the Valle del Cauca and Cali High Court, as well as housing a small museum dedicated to the regional production of sugarcane.
Practical Info
The National Palace is located on Plaza de Caicedo in downtown Cali.
Address: Calle 12, entre Carrera 4 y Carrera 5 # 12 - 04, Cali, Valle Del Cauca, Colombia
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-12pm, 1pm-5pm
From $ 35
National Library
Located in a quiet corner of Recoleta, the Argentine National Library is the largest library in the country and one of the most important in South America. In a city like Buenos Aires, famous for its belle epoch architecture, the National Library stands out as one of the best examples of contemporary architecture in the country.
The Brutalist structure was the work of architect Clorindo Testa, winner of a design contest staged in the early 1960s. Construction of the library wouldn't begin until a decade later, and it wasn't until 1992 that the completed library was inaugurated.
Visitors access the public library through a small, grassy reading garden. Inside, the collection is available to the public. The view from the top floor of the library is worth a look, and there are often special exhibitions on display within the building.
Practical Info
The National Library is open from 9am to 9pm Monday through Friday, and from noon to 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: Agüero 2502, Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina
Hours: Open Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-7pm
From $ 35
Passion River (Rio La Pasión)
The Rio La Pasión and its tributaries cover nearly 2,000 square miles in Guatemala, forming a diverse ecological zone and a main transportation source. Many visitors to Guatemala use the river to access the many Mayan archeological sites alongside it.
Arising in the Sierra de Santa Cruz, the river flows through the western part of the region of Peten. The waters, along with heavy rainfall, created several dense swamp and jungle habitats home to animals such as crocodiles, iguana, howler monkeys, and several hundred endemic species of birds and fish. There are also many indigenous medicinal plants. Dozens of small villages are built alongside the riverbanks, where many local farmers and fisherman live.
The river traces the ancient trading route used by the Mayans. Maya ceremonial and urban centers located within the region include Dos Pilas, Aguateca, Ceibal, Tamarindito, Altar de Sacrificios, and Machaquila.
Practical Info
Several ferries offer transportation across the Passion River. Most visitors access the river via the town of Sayaxche, which is located between Flores and Cobán. There are frequent bus routes between the two that stop at Sayaxche.
Address: Guatemala
From $ 100
Nossa Senhora de Assuncao Fort
The history of Nossa Senhora de Assuncao Fort dates back to 1649, when it was built by the Dutch under the direction of Captain Matias Beck as Forte Schoonemborch. Just five years later in 1654, the fort was captured by the Portuguese and renamed after the patron saint of Fortaleza. When Fortaleza was officially founded in 1726, it was named after the fortress.
Since 1942, Nossa Senhora de Assuncao Fort has been a Brazilian army headquarters, but parts of the fort remain open to the public. Two such areas include a museum dedicated to General Antonio de Sampaio, a local Ceara war hero from the nineteenth century War of Paraguay, as well as the cell where the mother of Jose de Alencar, a famous Brazilian novelist from Ceara, was jailed.
Practical Info
Guided tours of Nossa Senhora de Assuncao Fort are available and led by the soldiers who are based at the fort.
Address: Av. Alberto Nepomuceno, Fortaleza 60055-000, Brazil
From $ 22
Museu do Ándio
Learning about the indigenous population of a country like Brazil should be an interesting and engaging part of one's visit. The museum is run by a congregation of Salesian nuns, and it boasts a nice collection of artifacts.
Anyone curious about the history of the indigenous tribes of the Amazonas region would likely enjoy spending some time checking out the variety of everyday objects in the Museu do Ándio's collection - including pottery, tools, ritual masks and musical instruments. Descriptions are in English, Portuguese and German, and the museum is open varying hours from Monday-Saturday. Admission is R$5.
Anyone curious about the history of the indigenous tribes of the Amazonas region would likely enjoy spending some time checking out the variety of everyday objects in the Museu do Ándio's collection - including pottery, tools, ritual masks and musical instruments. Descriptions are in English, Portuguese and German, and the museum is open varying hours from Monday-Saturday. Admission is R$5.
Address: Rua Duque de Caxias 356, Manaus, Brazil
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30-11:30am & 2-4:30pm, Sat: 8-11:30am
Admission: R$5
From $ 83
Pirangi Beach
This long, white sand beach outside of Natal is divided into two parts by the Pirangi river, creating the areas Pirangi do Norte and Pirangi do Su. Its calm, turquoise waters make it popular for swimming and water sports like surfing and diving, so competitions often take place on the beach.
There are also clear natural pools located 500 meters from the coast. Boat trips to the swimming pools, as well as coral reefs and other beaches, run frequently, and it's best to visit the swimming pools at low tide. There is a long boardwalk that makes it fun and easy to explore the shoreline, while a side trip to the massive Pirangi Cashew Tree "” the largest of its kind in the world "” is a main draw to this area, so don't miss it!
Practical Info
Pirangi Beach is located 28 kilometers (17 miles) north of Natal.
Address: Natal, Brazil
From $ 27
Municipal Palace
Even though Chiclayo was never a Colonial stronghold during the 17th and 18th centuries, the regal splendor of many of the buildings could lead you to initially think otherwise. One such example is the Municipal Palace, a soaring Republican style building that graces the center of town. This elegant building is so lavish and fantastically ornate, it's estimated the bill to construct the building was paid in 30,000 pounds of gold.
The building was completed in 1919, although political protestors in 2006 caused a raging fire that nearly reduced the entire building to ashes. The structure has since been restored, however, to mimic its original style, and walking by the Municipal Palace today"”its four-story clock tower and parallel arches rising high above the streets of the city"”it manages to cast a fairy-tale atmosphere over an entire city block.
The Municipal Palace is located one block from the principal park of Chiclayo. For the best photos and the most dramatic appearance, consider visiting the building at night when it is illuminated in all its glory.
Address: Chiclayo, Peru
From $ 26