Choose from 1,039 Fun Things to Do in Central And South America
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Alpamayo
Set high in the peaks of the Peruvian Andes, Alpamayo is regarded by climbers as the most beautiful mountain in the world. Topping out at 19,500 ft. (5,909m) above sea level, Alpamayo is a serious climb for fit and experienced alpinists—but also enough of a straightforward climb that athletic travelers that hire a guide have a chance of reaching the summit.
Climbing the mountain can take 8-10 days depending on fitness and conditions, but if you don’t feel the need to reach the summit but still want to experience the beauty, you can book an 11-day circuit trek that encircles Alpamayo’s base. In a country with such a wealth of treks, this circuit can arguably compete with some of the best hiking trips in Peru, where views look out at the tallest tropical mountains found anywhere in the world, and explores the heart of a Quechua culture that still thrives up here in these hills.
Practical Info
Most tours of Alpamayo begin from Huaraz. Be sure to pack plenty of winter clothing, worn in boots, and a rain jacket, and the best season for trekking is between June and September when the weather is dry but cold. You’ll want to spend a couple of days in Huaraz to acclimate to the altitude.
Did You Know? The total distance for the Alpamayo Circuit is a little over 60 miles.
Address: Alpamayo, Peru
From ¥ 3,348
Aconcagua Provincial Park
It would be a shame if, while visiting Mendoza, Argentina’s most populous city in the western part of the country, you didn’t make it up to the Andes. Not only to see the border between Chile and Argentina, but most importantly, to glimpse these giants of the mountain world, including Aconcagua, which is the tallest mountain in the western hemisphere, at 6962 meters or 22,841 feet. A winding drive up from Mendoza reveals snowcapped peaks at every turn, and short turnoff brings you to a mirador, or lookout point, for Aconcagua itself.
While climbing the mountain is a serious affair, subject to permits, regulations and climbing fees, visiting the Provincial park of Aconcagua requires little more than a three-hour drive from Mendoza, and also puts you close to the Puente del Inca, a nearby natural attraction. Once at the Aconcagua Park, you have a few options for day hikes, including a one-hour loop suitable for children. Keep an eye out for the llama-like guanaco, or possibly red foxes, and overhead, it is common to see Andean condors.
Practical Info
Despite the usually warm weather in Mendoza, rest assured that in the shadow of Aconcagua, very cold temperatures are a real possibility. Dress warmly, protect against sun exposure, and bring a thermos of something warm to keep even more toasty.
Address: Argentina
From ¥ 271
Achaval Ferrer Winery
The Achaval Ferrer Winery traces its history back only to 1998, shortly after the beginning of the Malbec boom in Mendoza. The winery is Argentine and Italian owned, and the winemakers all have decades of experience extending back to far before this project began.
The boutique winery has four different vineyards on which grapes are grown, representing four different terriors with flood irrigation that decreases the chances of phyloxera. In some cases, there are cherry or olive trees lining the vineyards. Grapes are harvested by hand, and in the early morning hours. In case of hail damage (which happens occasionally), damaged grapes are removed from the plants to keep bitterness at bay in the final product. These practices, as well as several others (such as low density of plants), keeps production low, but quality high.
The Bella Vista Estate in Mendoza’s Luján de Cuyo is on the south bank of the Mendoza River, and this is where Achaval Ferer receives visitors for tastings and winery tours.
Practical Info
The single-vineyard wines from Achaval Ferrer have all scored 94 or above in Wine Spectator ratings for the 2012 vintage, which makes this one of the highest-scoring vineyards in the area.
Address: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday-Sunday 9am-1pm
From ¥ 1,353
Afro-Antillean Museum (Museo Afro-Antillano de Panama)
The popular Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum may showcase the history, politics and influence of French and American workers who helped construct the Panama Canal, but the Afro-Antillean Museum is the place for travelers who want to learn more about the impact the nation’s West Indian community had on developing the infrastructure that still keeps this Central America destination up and running. Visitors can tour galleries and halls lined with images, stories and artifacts that showcase the dedication, drive and determination it took for West Indians to build local railroads and canals.
Practical Info
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Admission is approximately US$1. It is easily accessible using the Estacion 5 de Mayo train station.
Address: Panama City, Panama
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Admission: US $1
From ¥ 406
Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market
The image of the art-nouveau cast-iron Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market building is like a snapshot of the multiculturalism of Manaus as a whole. The building, inspired by Les Halles in Paris and constructed in 1882 during the Rubber Boom, is distinctly European, but when you step through the doors, there’s no mistaking you’re in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon.
As the city’s main market perched on the banks of the Rio Negro, vendors here sell a bit of everything, and for the visiting tourist, it’s a great place to sample exotic fruits, learn about traditional Amazonian medicines or shop for souvenirs, like leather goods and índio handcrafted items.
Practical Info
Come hungry, as the market has several places to sample regional specialties.
Address: Rua dos Barés, 46 - Centro, Manaus 69005-020, Brazil
From ¥ 541
Amantani Island (Isla Amantani)
For those wishing to avoid heavily touristed Taquile Island, but still enjoy a smoothly operating system of homestays and a taste of traditional lake lifestyle, Isla Amantani is the perfect option. The 26- mile (38-km), four-hour trip and dearth of infrastructure (electricity, running water, automobiles) has kept the island of some 3,600 Quechua-speaking people somewhat isolated from Titicaca’s tourist industry.
Amantani has been communally owned since shortly after Peru’s independence from Spain, after which the indigenous residents—used as poorly paid labor by landlords of European descent—took a page from their oppressors’ own handbook and staged a revolution of their own. Ever since, the island has been run as something of a commune, a tradition that extends to today’s tourism.
Upon arrival, visitors are assigned to a family and its small adobe home; some are much nicer than others. Toilets look modern, but don’t flush; you’ll use buckets of water provided. Your host family also provides simple meals, made with locally available foodstuffs such as potatoes, quinoa, eggs and perhaps lake trout. Some guidebooks recommend bringing fruit, cooking oil, rice or sugar—all difficult-to-obtain delicacies in this isolated spot—as gifts.
Your family can also arrange guided hikes, perhaps even in English, around the scenic island. There are two mountains, Pachatata (Father Earth) and Pachamama (Mother Earth), terraced with beautiful farms, which you can climb—slowly, remember your altitude. Pre-Columbian temples top both peaks and are still used on traditional feast days.
As on Taquile, Amanti islanders knit and weave the region’s renowned textiles, which are offered for sale around the island. Host families will typically dress visitors in traditional clothing for a nightly dance, accompanied by a local band.
Address: Puno, Peru
From ¥ 494
Ahumada Boulevard (Paseo Ahumada)
Santiago is a busy, walkable city, with a fairly compact downtown. But there are times when you’ve had enough of having to move along at the speed of the crowd, and wish you could have a more spacious place to be. And you can. There are three major pedestrian thoroughfares in downtown Santiago, Huérfanos, which runs west down from Cerro Santa Lucía, and both Paseo Ahumada and Paseo Estado, which stretch north from the Alameda (Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins) towards the Mapocho River and Mercado Central.
Paseo Ahumada is perhaps the busiest of the three, and you’ll find families and individuals walking, talking on the phone or sitting on benches at most times of day, On the street there are nearly always street performers and vendors, selling hats, scarves, and the occasional television antenna. There are also popular stands selling mote con huesillo, a local drink made of sweet peach punch with reconstituted dried peaches and wheat kernels at the bottom. Shoe stores and fast food, ice cream, cafés and some of the major department stores fill out the rest of the blocks, which quiet down after work or when it gets dark.
Practical Info
Instead of walking into Paseo Ahumada directly from the Alameda, dip down about half a block further and start in on Nueva York, a quieter, cobblestoned street with historic fountains that runs past the stock exchange. And further along on Paseo Ahumada, plan a stop at the Cathedral, which is on Santiago’s Plaza de Armas.
Address: Santiago, Chile
From ¥ 149
Acatenango
Guatemala’s Pacaya is one of the most popular volcanoes to visit, but travelers shouldn't skip its neighbor, Acatenango. Towering nearly 13,123 feet (4,000 meters), it is Guatemala’s third-tallest volcano and one of the tallest stratovolcanoes in Central America.
Acatenango’s first eruption was in 1924 —relatively recent in comparison to many other volcanoes—though some evidence of its volcanic activity dates back to prehistoric times. Other eruptions occurred shortly after, but it then remained quiet until an eruption in 1972. Since then, Acatenango has been declared dormant.
Acatenango is part of the Fuego-Acatenango massif, or string of volcanic vents, which includes Yepocapa, Pico Mayor de Acatenango, Meseta and Fuego. Acatenango has two main summits: Yepocapa, the northern summit at 12,565 feet (3,830 meters) and Pico Mayor, the southern and highest cone at 13,054 feet (3,976 meters). These are known as Tres Hermanas, and when joined with Fuego, the complex is collectively known as La Horqueta.
Both Acatenango and its twin, Fuego, offer stunning views overlooking the city of Antigua. Ascending Acatenango takes visitors through four different temperate zones — high farmland, cloud forest, high-alpine forest and volcanic. Acatenango is the perfect spot to watch Fuego’s regular activity, which includes audible moans and groans, plumes of smoke and large lava rocks hurling into the air.
Practical Info
Most tours to Acatenango depart from Antigua versus Guatemala City. The best time to attempt a climb is during dry season, which is late November to early April. Hiking Acatenango is strenuous, and you should be in good enough shape to hike several miles a day. While Acatenango could produce debris avalanches, local authorities are well equipped to handle any volcanic activity that transpires, and if there is a risk of eruptions, visitors will not be allowed in the area.
Address: Acatenango, Antigua, Guatemala
Hours: Daily
From ¥ 271
Ahu Tongariki
With 15 gigantic stone-carved moai lined up on a 200-foot-long platform and a remote location framed by the looming Rano Raraku volcano and the crashing ocean, Ahu Tongariki is nothing short of spectacular. For many visitors, this is the star attraction of Easter Island, and looking up at the towering figures, the largest of which stands 14 meters tall, it’s hard not to be in awe of the Rapa Nui people, who achieved the seemingly impossible feat of carving and moving the 30-ton stone boulders to their waterfront perch.
Ahu Tongariki is the largest ceremonial site ever made on the island, featuring the largest number of moai ever erected on a single site, and each statue is unique, with only one featuring the iconic red-rock “pukao,” or ceremonial headdress. Even more astounding, considering the size and weight of the statues, is that the site was almost completely destroyed by a tsunami in 1960, with the rocks flung more than 90 meters inland. The ahu has since been painstakingly restored, a project that took Chilean archaeologists Claudio Cristino and Patricia Vargas five years and was finally completed in 1995.
Practical Info
Ahu Tongariki is located on the southeast coast of Easter Island and takes about 30 minutes by car from Hanga Roa. The entrance fee to the Rapa Nui National Park is $60 for all non-Chileans (payable on arrival to the island) and includes entrance to Ahu Tongariki.
Address: Easter Island, Chile
Admission: Rapa Nui Park: $60 for non-Chileans
From ¥ 778
Altiplanic Lagoons
To see lakes this high above sea level, you have to come to the altiplano, the very definition of which is “high plain,” an area between the peaks of the Andes in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. These two lakes, Miscanti and Miñique, are located at about 13,500 feet and are within driving distance of San Pedro de Atacama.
The two lakes are a deep blue, backed by snow-capped volcanoes and surrounded by a large plain of yellow tussock grass that whips in the wind. This grass is one of the preferred foods of the vicuña, the shyest of the llama-like species in the area, and if you are lucky, you may see a small herd around here. It is also fairly common to see a fox or two and sometimes even quick-running rheas, an emu-like bird native to the area.The protected lakes make for a great photo opportunity, but swimming is not allowed.
The lakes are managed by an indigenous community located in Socaire, a town often visited for its handmade crafts and local historical church.
Practical Info
The Altiplanic Lagoons are located 71 miles from San Pedro de Atacama, and it is generally very cold in this area due to the high altitude. Swimming in the lake is prohibited.
Address: Chile
From ¥ 548
Ahu Akivi
Restored by archaeologists William Mulley and Gonzalo Figueroa in 1960, the seven grand moai that make up Ahu Akivi are among the most visited attractions of Easter Island. Dating back to the 15th century, the moai are thought to have been built in three stages and are unique in their placement—not only is Ahu Akivi one of few moai sites located inland, but the moai are the only ones on the island that face toward the ocean.
Legend has it that the seven identical moai of Ahu Akivi were built in honor of the seven explorers sent to discover the island by founder Hotu Matu'a; thus the statues look out to sea toward their home land. Another theory on their placement is that the site was used as a celestial observatory—the moai face the sunset during the Spring Equinox and look away from the sunrise of the Autumn Equinox.
Practical Info
Ahu Akivi is located close to the center of Easter Island, about four miles (7 km) northeast from Hanga Roa. The entrance fee to the Rapa Nui National Park is $60 for all non-Chileans (payable on arrival to the island) and includes entrance to Ana Kai Tangata.
Address: Hanga Roa, Chile
Admission: $60
From ¥ 778
Altun Ha
Altun Ha, site of the ruins of an ancient Mayan city, covers about 3 square miles (8 square kilometers) of Belizean countryside. The central area has more than 500 historic structures, mostly built during the Maya Classic era (AD 200 to 900). Join a private or group tour to learn how the city’s 10,000 inhabitants lived.
The Basics
Located about 31 miles (50 kilometers) north of Belize City, Altun Ha is divided into two main clusters, Plaza A and Plaza B, each with its own special attractions. Plaza A features the mysterious Temple of the Green Tomb, where jade, jewelry, flints, and other artifacts were found.
Plaza B is home to the biggest structure on the site, the Temple of Masonry Altar, which rises more than 60 feet (18 meters) above the plaza. Thought to be the main religious center of the civilization, the temple houses the famous head of Kinich Ahau: a 10-pound (5-kilogram) jade stone carved into the head of the Mayan sun god; this national treasure is depicted on the local currency. Guided tours are available from Belize City, and many combine a trip to the ruins with other nearby attractions and activities.
Things to Know Before You Go
- No one is allowed to climb the steps of the actual ruins, but there is a walkway to reach the top.
- Remember to bring insect repellent and water.
- Restrooms, souvenirs, and food and drink are available on-site.
How to Get There
Located near Rockstone Pond Village, Altun Ha is very difficult to reach without a car, as the area is not served by public transportation. The easiest way to get there is by joining a tour in Belize City, Crooked Tree, or another nearby city. Visitors can also walk 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the village of Lucky Strike.
When to Get There
Altun Ha does not usually attract large crowds, but it can get very hot, especially in the summer months. To beat the heat, plan to arrive early in the day, or schedule your trip for some time between late November and mid-April; this is Belize’s dry season and its peak season, which means better weather and more tourists. Altun Ha is open from 8am to 5pm daily.
Cave Tubing
After visiting Altun Ha, many guided tours make a stop to go cave tubing in Caves Branch River in Blue Hole National Park. Designed for almost any age and fitness level, the tubing adventure takes you along the river, floating through an underground world filled with enormous chambers and cathedral-sized rooms decorated with crystal formations and stalactites.
Address: Altun Ha, Belize
From ¥ 636
Actun Tunichil Muknal
The Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Stone Sepulchre) is the most well known cave in Cayo and the most popular tour just outside of San Ignacio: the entire experience is an Indiana Jones type of adventure, where youâll wonder if you will make it in and back out. Reaching the best parts of the once sacrificial cave requires hiking through a rainforest for an hour and a half, crossing three rivers on foot, swimming through parts of the cave and even going up a narrow ladder to reach the deeper, darker chambers. Efforts are rewarded with the sight of the âCrystal Maidenâ--the skeleton of a young female, fully preserved from thousands of years ago. Along the hike there are also ancient ceramics to see, and youâll leave with a definite sense that the Maya came before you thousands of years ago.
Address: San Ignacio, Belize
From ¥ 676
Amazon River
The mighty Amazon River and its enormous, thickly forested basin are the heart of South America and the guardian of 20 percent of the Earth’s fresh water. Visitors from around the globe come to Iquitos to cruise the river’s storied waters and catch a glimpse of diverse fauna both above and below the surface.
The Basics
While there are several ways to experience the Amazon and its unparalleled biodiversity, most travelers opt for a boat trip along the basin’s famous river. Cruises generally last three to four days and run through the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, offering the chance to explore on guided walks through the rain forest, take motorboat tours of the tributaries, go piranha fishing, or simply enjoy the scenery from the deck of your cruise ship. Those who prefer to spend more time on dry land can opt for a multi-day jungle adventure, which may include a short boat trip on the Amazon as well as jungle treks, night walks, and the opportunity to spot wild pink river dolphins.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Amazon River is a must-see for adventure travelers and nature lovers.
- Remember to bring insect repellent to protect yourself against mosquitos.
- It’s a good idea to pack comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and lightweight clothing such as quick-drying pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- Drink plenty of water; it’s always hot and muggy in the Amazon jungle.
How to Get There
Most Amazon River cruises and excursions in Peru depart from the town of Iquitos. The port city is only reachable by plane or by boat, with numerous flights daily from Lima.
When to Get There
With only a 10 percent difference in rainfall between the Amazon basin’s wet and dry season, there isn’t really a bad time to visit. Temperatures are generally cooler during the high-water season (November to May). December, June, and August tend to see the most visitors.
Photographing Wildlife on the Amazon
The Peruvian Amazon ranks among the best places on the planet to capture photos of animal species such as monkeys, birds, iguanas, pink dolphins, and even the occasional jaguar. To maximize your chances of getting great shots, bring along a DSLR camera with a long lens of at least 300 millimeters and as low an f-stop as you can afford. Don’t forget extra batteries and SD cards.
Address: Iquitos, Peru
From ¥ 1,454
Amazon Rainforest
Trying to fathom the Amazon’s size is a lesson in mental futility. You can read all the Amazon stats that you want—like the fact that the Amazon has more acres of land than China or India have people, or that 20% of the world’s oxygen is produced from the Amazon’s trees—but until you float down the Rio Negro and stare at the sea of green, or look out the window on a flight to Manaus at the endless landscape of trees, stats and figures about the mighty Amazon are only numbers on a page.
That all changes when you first catch sight of the Amazon’s muddy waters and realize how much of this liquid snake there really is to see. There are forests that teem with native wildlife and canopies alive in birdsong, and remote areas where indigenous tribes have yet to even be found. Granted, nearly all recreational visitors to the Amazon will stay pretty close to Manaus, where the chance of seeing jaguars and lost tribes is admittedly pretty slim. Nevertheless, there’s still a raw, quasi-developed sense of touristic infancy, where visitors can feel the indigenous influence simply by walking around town. Take a guided trek into the fringes of a forest that squawks and rustles with life, or board the deck of a river cruise to watch the waters of the Rio Negro converge with the muddy brown Amazon. If staying in Manaus, return at night to a comfortable city with hints of European splendor—knowing that despite the immediate comforts, hundreds of miles of untamed jungle surround you on every side.
Practical Info
Manaus is approximately 4 hours by plane from Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo, or a five day cruise up the Amazon River from the port of Belém on the coast.
Address: Manaus, Brazil
From ¥ 602
Amador Causeway
Palm-lined Amador Causeway is famed for the fantastic views of Panama's skyscraping downtown, a yacht-strewn panorama across the Panama Bay to the graceful steel span of the Bridge of the Americas at the entrance of the canal. Scenic running paths follow the water, paved with stones used in the Canal's construction, along a causeway that stretches almost 3km (2mi) into the Pacific, connecting the city to three small islands: Noas, Perico and Flamenco.
Visitors from around the city and world come to here to play, plied by upscale shopping centers and local vendors displaying their wares to crowds strolling the causeway. It's also the city's hippest nightlife district, home to elegant bars, casual clubs and other entertainment venues.
Visitors from around the city and world come to here to play, plied by upscale shopping centers and local vendors displaying their wares to crowds strolling the causeway. It's also the city's hippest nightlife district, home to elegant bars, casual clubs and other entertainment venues.
Practical Info
Wear a hat and sunscreen to best enjoy mostly shadeless Amador Malecón, with its magnificent views, fresh sea breezes, and festive attractions. Weekends get crowded.
Note that several local businesses, including taxis, inflate prices to take advantage of the cruise-ship set; be aware of inflated prices and avoid them.
Note that several local businesses, including taxis, inflate prices to take advantage of the cruise-ship set; be aware of inflated prices and avoid them.
Address: Avenida Amador, Panamá City, Panama
Hours: Open daily
From ¥ 262
Allianz Parque
Hailed by many as the best stadium in São Paulo, Allianz Parque is a multipurpose arena in the West Zone of the city. Inaugurated in November 2014, the stadium holds up to 48,000 spectators and has been recognized with awards from some of Latin America's most prestigious architectural reviews. The modern, sleek design, paired with impeccable upkeep, make it a São Paulo landmark and many locals' preferred venue for concerts, soccer and other sports competitions.
The home stadium of São Paulo's Palmeiras Football Club, the world-class venue welcomes visitors who can usually catch a Palmeiras match on Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons. To experience Brazil's legendary soccer fans at their most animated, try to get tickets behind the goal, or, to observe from a calmer perspective, opt for somewhere in the center. Allianz Parque also holds large concerts, having hosted the likes of Paul McCartney, Coldplay and Katy Perry.
Practical Info
Allianz Parque Stadium is located at Avenida Francisco Matarazzo, 1705 in the Agua Branca neighborhood, near Palmeiras/Barra Funda metro station.
Address: Avenida Francisco Matarazzo, 1705 – Agua Branca, São Paulo, Brazil
Hours: Varies by game or event
Admission: Varies
From ¥ 115
Altino Arantes Building (Banespa Tower)
An enduring symbol of São Paulo’s 20th-century race to modernity, the Edifício Altino Arantes—more commonly known as the Banespa Tower or Banespão—remains one of the most notable landmarks on the city’s exhaustive skyline. Originally built as the headquarters of the State Bank of São Paulo (Banespa) and named for one of the bank’s first presidents, the tower rose over an eight-year period, crowning the city as its tallest building in 1947, a title held for the next 18 years. At completion, the 528-foot tower also held the title of tallest reinforced concrete structure and tallest building outside of the United States. Inspired by New York City’s Empire State Building, the tower exhibits Art Deco styling both inside and out.
Despite being the third-tallest building in the city, the Banespa is situated on the highest point in downtown São Paulo, giving it the appearance of being even taller than the Mirante do Vale, today the tallest building in Brazil at 558 feet. Panoramic, 360-degree views of the city from the 35th-floor observation deck extend to over 25 miles, encompassing all of downtown and even the verdant Serra da Cantareira mountain range to the city’s north. The observation deck and the first-floor building museum is free to visitors and open Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 10am to 5pm.
Despite being the third-tallest building in the city, the Banespa is situated on the highest point in downtown São Paulo, giving it the appearance of being even taller than the Mirante do Vale, today the tallest building in Brazil at 558 feet. Panoramic, 360-degree views of the city from the 35th-floor observation deck extend to over 25 miles, encompassing all of downtown and even the verdant Serra da Cantareira mountain range to the city’s north. The observation deck and the first-floor building museum is free to visitors and open Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 10am to 5pm.
Address: Rua João Brícola, 24 - Sé, Sao Paolo 01014-010, Brazil
From ¥ 1,116
Ana Kai Tangata
An eerie cavern burrowing into the sea cliffs, Ana Kai Tangata is almost entirely hidden from view, camouflaged by the rocky coastline and lapping waves. Step inside the cave and you’ll soon realize why the spot is so renowned—the looming arches of black-rock are etched with an elaborate series of bird drawings, painted with a blend of natural earth and animal fats.
Thought to have been used by the island’s earliest settlers, the cave’s history remains a subject of speculation among archaeologists, but the name, which translates to the ambiguous "man eat cave," and the paintings, lend themselves to a number of theories. Most notable is the subject matter of the paintings—the manutaras, or black terns, depicted were also the focal point of Orongo’s annual Birdman ceremony, which took place during the autumn equinox and pitted Rapa Nui hopus (chiefs) against each other in a competition to retrieve a sacred manutara egg.
Practical Info
Ana Kai Tangata lies on the northwest coast of Easter Island, just a few kilometers south of Hanga Roa. The entrance fee to the Rapa Nui National Park is $60 for all non-Chileans (payable on arrival to the island) and includes entrance to Ana Kai Tangata.
Address: Chile
Admission: Rapa Nui Park: $60 for non-Chileans
From ¥ 1,353
Aguas Calientes
If you're visiting Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there’s a good chance you'll pass through the small pueblo of Aguas Calientes en route. This gateway town to Peru’s famous Incan ruins sits nestled in a valley of cloud forest, where a series of natural hot springs gives the town its name.
The Basics
The majority of travelers to Peru come to see the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, and almost all of them will spend at least a little time in the town of Aguas Calientes. The train taking passengers from Cusco to Machu Picchu stops at Aguas Calientes, where day-trippers then board a bus to the ruins. Visitors on overnight itineraries, including those hiking the Inca Trail, often spend the night in the village before rising early to catch the sunrise at Machu Picchu.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It’s a good idea to book your stay and Machu Picchu entrance tickets well in advance, particularly during high season.
- Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Dress in layers, as conditions can change quickly between town and the ruins.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Aguas Calientes is by train, several of which depart Cusco daily for the journey of one hour and 45 minutes. A bus runs from town up to Machu Picchu.
When to Get There
Aguas Calientes enjoys the best weather from June to August, the busiest season for vacationers. While things are quieter from October to April, this is the rainy season, so expect regular downpours.
Attractions in Aguas Calientes
Aside from the thermal baths, Aguas Calientes highlights include a hike to the summit of Putucusi Mountain, which offers stellar views of Machu Picchu on a clear day. You can also visit the Butterfly House, Machu Picchu Museum (Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón) and nearby botanical gardens, or the Gardens of Mandor (Los Jardines de Mandor) with its waterfalls.
Address: Aguas Calientes, Peru
From ¥ 2,374