Choose from 1,039 Fun Things to Do in Central And South America
ShowingFilter 121-140 of 1039 listings.
Cat Park (Parque del Gato)
The brainchild of local painter and sculptor Hernando Tejada, the aptly named Cat Park (Parque del Gato) started life in 1996, when a giant bronze sculpture, El Gato Rio (The River Cat) was erected along the banks of the Cali River. The impressive sculpture was created in Bogota and transported to Cali—no easy feat as the huge cat measures around 3.5 meters in height and weighs about three tons—and became the centerpiece of the newly renovated parklands stretching along the riverfront.
The River Cat was so popular, it was soon joined by more feline friends and today a series of 15 smaller cats can be found in the park, including a fiberglass cat model and colorful sculptures by local artists like Alejandro Valencia Tejada, Mario Gordillo, Nadin Ospina, Omar Rayo and Maripaz Jaramillo.
Practical Info
The Cat Park (Parque del Gato) is located in Cali’s central park on the banks of the Cali River. Entrance is free.
Address: Cali, Valle Del Cauca, Colombia
From $ 35
Casa Gardeliana Museum
Medellin is the second world capital of tango (after Buenos Aires), and tango music can be heard throughout the city. This is due in large part to Carlos Gardel, a famous tango musician who died in 1935 in a tragic plane accident in Medellin while touring Colombia. Gardel’s death spurred a movement that lives on to this day. In fact, the International Tango Festival, held in Medellin every June, commemorates Gardel’s life with dancers, singers, musicians and faithful followers of this musical expression.
To celebrate the music of a man who changed Medellin, the Casa Gardeliana Museum opened in 1972. Dedicated to tango, this museum has projects, programs and services that are all about teaching tango dance, singing and music. They have collections that include photos, recordings and documentaries about how tango has influenced life in Medellin. There are guided tours and special day and evening performance programs. This is small, unique museum in Medellin for those who want to get a glimpse at Gardel’s life and influence on the world of tango.
Practical Info
The museum is located at Carrera 45 # 76–50, Medellin, and is open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to noon and 1:30 to 5pm.
Address: Carrera 45 # 76–50, Medellin, Colombia
From $ 59
Casa Rosada
The eye-catching salmon-pink façade of Argentina’s presidential palace is one of the capital’s most iconic sights, standing proud over the city’s historic Plaza de Mayo public square. The aptly named Casa Rosada, or the ‘Pink House’, is the secondary mansion and office of the Argentine President, housing the government offices and providing the striking backdrop to Buenos Aires’ often-turbulent political history.
Erected in 1862, the Renaissance-style palace was initially to be painted white and theories abound as to hoe it got its rosy makeover, from ox blood being mixed into the paint to the then-President blending the red and white colors of opposing political rallyists. Designated a National Historic Monument of Argentina, the pink palace is perhaps most legendary for its lower balcony, from which the beloved Evita rallied the working class crowds back in 1949 – a moment that was famously recreated by Madonna in the 1996 movie Evita and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical of the same name.
The Casa Rosada now houses a museum showcasing the presidential history of Argentina and many of the opulent government chambers are open to the public by guided tour. Tour participants even get the chance to stand on Evita’s famous balcony, offering expansive views over the bustling Plaza de Mayo below.
Erected in 1862, the Renaissance-style palace was initially to be painted white and theories abound as to hoe it got its rosy makeover, from ox blood being mixed into the paint to the then-President blending the red and white colors of opposing political rallyists. Designated a National Historic Monument of Argentina, the pink palace is perhaps most legendary for its lower balcony, from which the beloved Evita rallied the working class crowds back in 1949 – a moment that was famously recreated by Madonna in the 1996 movie Evita and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical of the same name.
The Casa Rosada now houses a museum showcasing the presidential history of Argentina and many of the opulent government chambers are open to the public by guided tour. Tour participants even get the chance to stand on Evita’s famous balcony, offering expansive views over the bustling Plaza de Mayo below.
Address: Balcarce 50, 1064 Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: 10am - 6pm Mon-Fri, 2pm - 6pm Sun
From $ 20
Casapueblo
Located 13 kilometers from Punta del Este, Casapueblo is the former summer home of Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró and today is a hotel, museum and more. The structure itself is a work of art — the result of 36 years of construction and careful design. Built into the cliffs, Casapueblo is reminiscent of the whitewashed buildings in Santorini, with a twist of modern art.
Even if you’re not planning on staying in the hotel, Casapueblo and the city of Punta Ballena is a popular day trip from Punta del Este. Visitors get a real insight to the artist’s life and 50 years of work. Casapueblo is the home to Vilaró’s studios and today the gallery and museum house his works, complete with photos and a short film about his life. Casapueblo also attracts visitors for the amazing ocean views, which are especially breathtaking at sunset. A highlight of a visit is the nightly Sun Celebration that takes place at sunset on the decks of the museum overlooking the ocean. Viewing the sunset can get very crowded, especially in the summer, so it’s best to arrive early. The restaurant at Casapueblo is the ideal place to have a special meal and take in the million-dollar view.
Practical Info
The Casapueblo is located in Punta Ballena. It is open every day of the year from 10 a.m. until sunset. Admission is 150 pesos.
Address: Museo – Taller de Casapubelo, Punta Ballena 20003, Uruguay
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to sunset
Admission: 150 pesos
From $ 10
Cayma District
Cayma is one of the 29 districts that make up Peru’s Arequipa Region. Some 75,000 people call this place, which covers approximately 246 square-kilometers, home. Adventurous travelers can trek to the top of nearby El Misti, the most popular climb in the area. Those who prefer a more leisurely outdoor adventure can stay close to city center with a number of stunning local parks, including Señor de la Caña, Urbanización Tronco de Oro and Urb. La Explanada.
Practical Info
The Cayma District is located east of the Yura District, North of the Yanahuara District and south of Cabreria.
Address: Cayma District, Arequipa, Peru
From $ 35
Catarina
From bougainvillea to orchids, dahlias and jasmine, the little town of Catarina overflows with flowers and herbs which tumble from the nurseries, gardens, and flower baskets dotted around town. On weekends especially, you’ll see daytrippers from Managua, Masaya and Granada come to smell the flowers and purchase some blossoms for their homes.
Home to more flowers than people, Catarina is also known for its skilled basket weavers and woodcarvers. You can buy locally-made crafts at the Villa de Artesanías, which you’ll see at the town entrance. Catarina is also home to lots of lively restaurants, and in November and December especially, there are many street fairs, like the festival of Santa Catalina.
Catarina is also known for its views of Laguna de Apoyo and the volcanoes and islands beyond. On the edge of the lake, Mirador de Catarina viewpoint is easy to find, and on a clear day you can see all the way out to the twin volcanic peaks of Ometepe. On sunny days, it’s also popular to head to the nearby beach on the lagoon.
Practical Info
Catarina is a nine-mile (15-km) drive from Granada. The town can be reached by taking the Granada-Masaya highway for about six miles (10 km). Then turn left at “Las Flores” and continue up the hill to Catarina. To visit the Mirador de Catarina lookout point, there is a small fee of about $1.
Address: Catarina, Nicaragua
From $ 108
Cathedral of Lima (Catedral de Lima)
The baroque twin-towered Lima Cathedral (Catedral de Lima) dominates the city's central Plaza de Armas with an elaborate exterior. Constructed in the 1530s but the victim of earthquake damage over the years, much of what is standing today dates back to 1746 when the site underwent a rebuilding program.
Step inside the huge cathedral via one of its three grand doors and you'll find a lofty interior of white and gold with soaring ribbed ceilings, mosaic chapels, and pillared aisles. See the many paintings that line the walls, and view the cathedral's main attraction: the elaborate marble tomb of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, who laid the structure's first stone in 1535.
Often visited on walking and sightseeing tours of Lima, the cathedral is a popular landmark in the palm-filled Plaza de Armas (check it out at night to see the church brilliantly illuminated with floodlights). Entry includes a guided tour and a visit to the cathedral's museum.
Often visited on walking and sightseeing tours of Lima, the cathedral is a popular landmark in the palm-filled Plaza de Armas (check it out at night to see the church brilliantly illuminated with floodlights). Entry includes a guided tour and a visit to the cathedral's museum.
Practical Info
The Lima Cathedral (Catedral de Lima) is in the city center's Plaza de Armas. A pedestrianized street runs south of the cathedral to Plaza San Martin, and Lima's train station is two blocks north.
Address: Plaza de Armas, Lima 100, Peru
Admission: Varies
From $ 10
Cathedral de Santiago
The stark and silent beauty of the ruins of Catedral de Santiago offers visitors one of only a few quiet and contemplative escapes in the 500-year-old city of Antigua. Once a towering homage to religion and faith, this European-inspired white stone wonder was devastated during a massive earthquake in 1717 and never repaired. Today, travelers can explore what remains of this unique structure, whose exterior tells a story of triumph and perseverance. It’s only when visitors pass by the reconstructed façade that they find what can only be described as broken beauty.
Covered hallways and altars now exist under open skies, since ceilings and rooftops that crumbled during natural disasters were never replaced. Delicate white engravings and vast ivory archways are tinged and darkened with dirt after so many years of being exposed to the elements. Visitors can explore the grounds, climb crumbling staircases and bear witness to exquisite views of the church and the charming streets of surrounding Antigua.
Practical Info
The Catedral de Santiago is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily and admission costs about Q3 per person with an additional fee to photograph. Travelers say it’s worth the extra cost to snap photos of this incredible site.
Address: 2 Av. Norte at 2 Calle Oriente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Hours: 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily
Admission: Q3
From $ 20
Cathedral of San Pedro Claver
Cartagena’s Catedral de San Pedro Claver, so close to the sea wall, seems unduly imposing for such a sanctified site. Begun in 1575, when this was a very rough neighborhood, its unfinished fortifications were destroyed in 1586 during a tiff with Sir Francis Drake and his pirate crew, and rebuilt by 1602.
Its namesake, San Pedro Claver Corberó, did not arrive until 1610. The Spanish-born priest arrived in Cartagena, then a slave-trading hub, as a novice priest. Horrified by the treatment of African captives, sold to a motley crew of middlemen on what’s now Plaza de los Coches, the young man became an activist, writing in his diary, “Pedro Claver, slave of the slaves forever (3 April 1622).”
Pedro would not only baptize newly enslaved arrivals right in the cathedral’s courtyard well (which was already controversial), but he would then explain to the newly saved that they deserved all the rights held by other Christian citizens of the Spanish Empire. This didn’t go over well with their new “owners,” not to mention most of his fellow Jesuits. The Vatican, already officially (if not actively) against slavery, would go on to canonize him in 1888.
The saint’s remains are preserved in the illuminated glass coffin in the altar, and bring in pilgrims that have included Pope John Paul II. The cavernous interior’s arches and columns, hewn from the same pale stone as the sea walls, seem infused with light. The main wooden altar, though not as heavy with gold gilt and precious stones as some, is considered one of Colombia’s most beautiful. The detailed stained glass is also exceptional. Most signage is in Spanish, but some of the tour guides hanging around out front can give you the basic information in English and other languages.
Its namesake, San Pedro Claver Corberó, did not arrive until 1610. The Spanish-born priest arrived in Cartagena, then a slave-trading hub, as a novice priest. Horrified by the treatment of African captives, sold to a motley crew of middlemen on what’s now Plaza de los Coches, the young man became an activist, writing in his diary, “Pedro Claver, slave of the slaves forever (3 April 1622).”
Pedro would not only baptize newly enslaved arrivals right in the cathedral’s courtyard well (which was already controversial), but he would then explain to the newly saved that they deserved all the rights held by other Christian citizens of the Spanish Empire. This didn’t go over well with their new “owners,” not to mention most of his fellow Jesuits. The Vatican, already officially (if not actively) against slavery, would go on to canonize him in 1888.
The saint’s remains are preserved in the illuminated glass coffin in the altar, and bring in pilgrims that have included Pope John Paul II. The cavernous interior’s arches and columns, hewn from the same pale stone as the sea walls, seem infused with light. The main wooden altar, though not as heavy with gold gilt and precious stones as some, is considered one of Colombia’s most beautiful. The detailed stained glass is also exceptional. Most signage is in Spanish, but some of the tour guides hanging around out front can give you the basic information in English and other languages.
Address: Carrera 4, Cartagena, Bolivar, Colombia
Hours: Museum, M-F 8am-5:30pm, Sat-Sun, Holidays 8am-4:30pm
Parish, M-F 9:30am-12pm, 3pm-5:30pm
Admission: Adults 6,000 pesos (<$4 USD), Children 4,000 pesos (<$3 USD)
From $ 5
Caves Branch Outpost
About an hour outside of Belize City, Caves Branch Outpost has become the adventure capital of Belize. Perched on the Caves Branch River, the outpost offers a range of outdoor adventure activities, including cave tubing, kayaking, horseback riding, zip lining, rock climbing and rappelling.
One of the most popular and unique activities, cave tubing, sends visitors floating on inner tubes through ancient caves filled with stalagmites, stalagtites and other crystalline cave formations. This subterranean exploration is best combined with a bird’s-eye view; Caves Branch Outpost’s Zipride experience comprises a zip line course that zigzags above the tropical canopy
The Caves Branch Outpost also houses a cafe, gift shop and security lockers where guests can store their belongings while out on adventures.
Practical Info
Make the most of your time at Caves Branch Outpost by booking a combination tour, which includes two adventure activities and lunch.
Address: Mile 41 1/2 Hummingbird Hwy, Belmopan, Belize
From $ 54
Catedral Sao Joao Batista
This elegant example of neo-Gothic architecture, easily Brazil's finest, might seem more at home in Medieval France than the rainforests of the New World. But the graceful symphony of peaked arches and delicately rendered 82m (169ft) towers, built between 1928 and 1932, is right here in Santa Cruz do Sul.
Sao Joao Batista, which overlooks the pretty parks and fountains of popular Getúlio Vargas Square, offers a pale pastel interpretation of classic Gothic aesthetics; the interior murals and lovely stained glass seem to invite light and cheer into the imposing structure. It is considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals in South America.
The cathedral is only one of this mid-sized city's attractions. The Autodromo Internacional de Santa Cruz do Sul hosts popular racing events year-round. The crowds multiply in late September, when Santa Cruz, founded in the 1840s by German settlers, begins its outrageous and world-famous Octoberfest celebration.
Photo courtesy of Klaus with a K via Wikimedia Commons
Sao Joao Batista, which overlooks the pretty parks and fountains of popular Getúlio Vargas Square, offers a pale pastel interpretation of classic Gothic aesthetics; the interior murals and lovely stained glass seem to invite light and cheer into the imposing structure. It is considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals in South America.
The cathedral is only one of this mid-sized city's attractions. The Autodromo Internacional de Santa Cruz do Sul hosts popular racing events year-round. The crowds multiply in late September, when Santa Cruz, founded in the 1840s by German settlers, begins its outrageous and world-famous Octoberfest celebration.
Photo courtesy of Klaus with a K via Wikimedia Commons
Practical Info
While it's possible to visit Catedral Sao Joao Batista on a daytrip from Foz do Iguacu on a tour with speedy private transport, it's a solid five-hour haul on public buses. Consider spending the night, or continuing on to the city of Porto Alegre, a festive hub for some of southern Brazil's best beaches.
Address: Getulio Vargas Square, Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil
Hours: Open daily; Mass Saturday 5pm, Sunday 7am, 9am, 10:15am, and 7pm
From $ 32
Cathedral of San Francisco (Iglesia de San Francisco)
Originally constructed in the 1500s, Iglesia de San Francisco, today, has mostly been reconstructed, thanks to age and earthquake damage. However, that's not the draw to this attraction. Both locals and visitors come to this old, baroque church to visit the shrine of Peter of Saint Joseph Betancur (Santo Hermano Pedro de San Jose de Betancurt). A Franciscan monk, he founded a hospital for the poor in town and is the country's most honored Christian leader.
Beatified in 1980 and made a saint in 2002 when Pope John Paul II visited Guatemala, Peter of Saint Joseph's tomb is visited by thousands each year asking for favors and miracles.
However, make no mistake, this church - which is one of the oldest in town - is still a work of beauty. It features 16 vaulted niches, a bell and clock tower from the 17th and 19th centuries and work from famed artists. Throughout history, the church has also been home to places such as a hospital and printing press.
Beatified in 1980 and made a saint in 2002 when Pope John Paul II visited Guatemala, Peter of Saint Joseph's tomb is visited by thousands each year asking for favors and miracles.
However, make no mistake, this church - which is one of the oldest in town - is still a work of beauty. It features 16 vaulted niches, a bell and clock tower from the 17th and 19th centuries and work from famed artists. Throughout history, the church has also been home to places such as a hospital and printing press.
Practical Info
If planning a visit to the church, consider swinging to
the south side of the property and exploring the Museo del Hermano Pedro
and the ruins of the monastery. Here, visitors will find some of the
saint's personal items and artifacts from the church.
Address: 8a Calle Oriente and Calle do los Pasos City Center, Guatemala
Hours: Daily, 8am - 6pm
From $ 20
Cayambe Volcano
The majestic snow-hatted peak of Cayambe Volcano serves as a dramatic backdrop to the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve and at a dizzying 5,790 meters, it’s Ecuador’s third-highest peak. Cayambe’s real claim to fame is its unique location – the highest mountain and only volcano in the world whose summit is crossed by the Equator line.
Scaling one of Cayambe’s three summits has become a popular challenge for mountaineers, but its difficult terrain and glacial passes means it’s a technical hike unsuitable for beginners. For most visitors, the best way to enjoy a view of Cayambe is by hiking, mountain-biking or horse riding through the scenic foothills of the surrounding Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve.
Practical Info
Cayambe Volcano is located 70km northeast of Quito.
Address: Ecuador
From $ 66
Caye Caulker
Home of the motto "Go slow," Caye Caulker is a prime Caribbean island with a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful ocean and excellent oceanfront restaurants and bars that make it one of the best places to visit in Belize.
In addition to lounging on the docks, the most popular Caye Caulker activities are snorkeling and diving. Explore the beautiful reefs either independently or with one of the many excellent tour groups. Most tour companies offer both half-day and full-day snorkeling tours, highlighting the Coral Garden, Shark and Ray Alley and the local reef.
Another way to get to know the local sea creatures of Caye Caulker is by visiting the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, an incredible manatee reserve. If you'd rather spend time on the water instead of in the water, look into renting a sea kayak and get incredible views of the coastline as well as the mangrove forest. The forest reserve covers about 100 acres of the island and is perfect for bird-watchers.
Practical Info
The easiest way to get to Caye Caulker is by water taxi out of Belize City. The ride takes about 45 minutes and then continues on to San Pedro. Taxis leave daily very frequently, and round-trip tickets are available. As for getting around Caye Caulker, walking is the way to go. There are only three streets on the island: Front Street, Middle Street and Back Street, Front Street being the main street for restaurants and other businesses. Very few cars are allowed on the island, but you can rent a golf cart or a bicycle to get around.
Address: Caye Caulker, Belize
From $ 110
Casco Viejo
Panama City's oldest and hippest neighborhood comprises a Tejas-tiled cluster of pastel colonial buildings at the tip of a heavily fortified peninsula. These ramparts successfully protected the first Spanish settlement on the Pacific Coast; today they make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with plazas, churches, and narrow streets.
The Basics
This neighborhood is an essential stop on any Panama City itinerary. Take a guided walking tour to see landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio de las Garzas, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, and the National Theater. There’s a tour for every interest: Foodies can eat and drink their way through Casco Viejo, while those with an interest in the Panama Canal can combine a Casco Viejo tour with a visit to the Miraflores Locks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Casco Viejo is one of Panama City’s most atmospheric neighborhoods: a must for couples, history buffs, and first-time visitors.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces; many of the streets are cobbled.
- Sightseeing tours that include Casco Viejo can last from two to eight hours, depending on the activities included.
How to Get There
While the Casco Viejo is well into the process of gentrification, surrounding neighborhoods are not. It’s a good idea to take a taxi, even during the day, or visit the neighborhood as part of a guided tour.
When to Get There
It’s best to visit the neighborhood during the daytime when the majority of its attractions, restaurants, cafés, and shops are open. Some of the city’s top chefs have restaurants in the area—perfect for a dinner date—but this area tends to quiet down early.
Attractions in Casco Viejo
For a relatively small neighborhood, there’s a ton to see and do in Casco Viejo. Learn more about the Eighth Wonder of the World at the Interoceanic Canal Museum, get a sense for the local art scene in one of several galleries, sip a cocktail at a rooftop bar, or shop for handmade indigenous crafts.
Address: Panama City, Pacific Coast & Avenida Central, Panama City, Panama
From $ 52
Casablanca Valley
Its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and unique mix of clay and sandy soils has made the Casablanca Valley one of Chile’s top wine producing regions despite it’s relatively new arrival on the scene. The first vines were planted in the mid-1980s—more than 100 years later than some of Chile’s other notable wine regions.
Visitors to the Casablanca Valley, which is best known for its white grapes, like Sauvingnon Blanc and Chardonnay, can enjoy an afternoon in the quaint city of Casablanca, before embarking on a tour of the scenic region. Travelers love the wine museum at El Cuatro and agree that the eco-friendly and organic practices of Veramonte make it worth a stop.
Practical Info
Casablanca Valley is located 75 kilometers northwest of Santiago and 30 minutes southeast of Valparaiso. It’s a region known for Sauvignon Blac, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but travelers will also find varieties of Reisling, Cabernet Franc and Viognier.
Address: Chile
From $ 109
Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral)
Presiding over the grand Plaza de Mayo, the Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral) is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church in Argentina. This 19th-century neoclassical cathedral is the church where Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio—now Pope Francis—performed mass before he was elevated to the Vatican in 2013.
The Basics
Most Buenos Aires sightseeing tours stop at Plaza de Mayo, where the Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada are the main attractions. Visitors can explore inside the cathedral on a guided tour, including the mausoleum of San Martín, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, San Martin de Tours chapel, the crypt, and Pope Francis Museum. Another popular choice is to take a Pope Francis tour of Buenos Aires, visiting sights associated with the pope.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no admission fee to visit the cathedral.
- Mass is held several times daily and free concerts are held regularly.
- The main areas of the cathedral are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The cathedral is located on the northwest corner of Plaza de Mayo, in the heart of central Buenos Aires. The closest metro (subte) stations are Catedral (Line D) and Plaza de Mayo (Line A).
When to Get There
The cathedral is open daily and holds mass several times a day. An early morning visit offers the best chance of avoiding the crowds, while the most atmospheric time to visit is for Christmas Mass (Noche Buena), held at 10pm on December 24.
Plaza de Mayo
The cultural and political heart of Buenos Aires, Plaza de Mayo is ringed with monumental buildings, such as the pink-painted government palace called Casa Rosada, where Eva Peron (Evita) stood on the balcony and addressed the nation. Along with the Metropolitan Cathedral, other buildings of note include the imposing Banco de la Nación (National Bank) and the Cabildo (Old City Hall), as well as a large central plaza with the Pirámide de Mayo obelisk.
Address: Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 16
Casa Franca Brasil
This architectural highlight was built in 1820 and once served as a customs house for the region. Today, Casa Franca Brasil is home to rotating exhibitions that showcase the nation’s political and cultural history.
Travelers say the building is worth a visit because it’s an impressive example of neo-colonial architecture that’s anything but typical of Rio de Janeiro. And while the on-site restaurant offers some pretty delicious local eats, the gallery shows can be hit or miss. For this reason visitors suggest checking out the calendar before planning to venture inside.
Practical Info
Casa Franca Brasil is located at Rua Visconde de Itaborai, 78 and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Entry is free.
Address: R. Visc. de Itaboraí, 78 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 20010-060, Brazil
Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-8pm
From $ 40
Cathedral of Salta
The Cathedral of Salta was declared a National Historical Monument on July 14, 1941. The current church is actually the fourth church built in its location in Salta, Argentina. It was completed in the late 1800s by Italian architects Soldati, Giorgi and Righetti. The towers and the facade were designed in an Italian style with Corinthian columns, balustrades and cornices. The two towers and the central body of the church emerge on top of the balustrades. The building has a nave and a cross vault, above which there is a dome with a lantern.
Inside the church is an image of Christ on the crucifix. Legend has it that this image saved the town from being destroyed by an earthquake on Sept. 16, 1692. The priest José Carrión had a revelation that taking this image of Christ out on a procession would end the earthquake. From that day on, the Fiesta del Milagro (Festival of the Miracle) has taken place every second week of September.
Practical Info
The Cathedral of Salta is located at Calle España 596, facing the Plaza 9 de Julio.
Address: España 558 - Belgrano 567, Salta 4400, Argentina
From $ 20
Cathedral of Quito
Built between 1562 and 1806, the iconic white façade and towering columns of the Cathedral of Quito today remains one of the most recognizable and distinguished structures in the city’s historic center. The impressive exterior is visible from hillsides that rise high outside of Quito, but travelers will find that its well-preserved interior is equally as stunning.
The religious monument is home to numerous works of art, including sculptures and paintings by artists that came up during the republican and colonial eras. The walls of the choir are covered by an incredible Miguel de Santiago painting known as the Death of the Virgin. The Cathedral of Quito is not only the largest Catholic church in Quito, but also one of the largest in Latin America, making it a destination that’s truly worth a visit.
Practical Info
The cathedral is located on the Plaza de la Independencia, between Venezuela and Garcia Moreno Streets.
Address: Eugenio Espejo, Quito 170401, Ecuador
From $ 15