Choose from 1,039 Fun Things to Do in Central And South America
ShowingFilter 181-200 of 1039 listings.
Forte de Monte Serrat
Built in the late 1500s, Forte de Monte Serrat was once known as Castelo de Sao Felipe and today still serves as one of the most iconic military structures in all of Brazil. Its traditional architecture, inspired by Italian traditions, originally housed three working cannons, and later was renovated to contain nine more. During times of war, soldiers were able to protect the whole of Port Salvador from Monte Serrat’s circular interior, although in the mid-1600s, Brazilian military was unable to hold off Dutch forces and ultimately had to surrender the fort.
Travelers in search of history will find the halls of whitewashed Monte Serrat steeped in military tradition. And those less interested in the nation’s past will still enjoy the picturesque views and incredible sunsets found atop this iconic fort.
Practical Info
The fort is located on the western edge of the Itapagipana Peninsula.
Address: Salvador, BA, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 45
Arenal Volcano National Park
Although visitors once flocked to Arenal Volcano for its impressive lava shows, the 5,437-foot (1,657-meter) volcano has stayed quiet since its last eruption in 2010. However, Arenal and the surrounding Arenal Volcano National Park remain a hot spot for visitors to Costa Rica, and is especially popular among those seeking hiking trails, swimming holes, hot springs, bird- and wildlife-watching, and sweeping views of the tropical rain forest.
The Basics
If your ideal vacation involves hiking or hot springs, Arenal is sure to please. Take a guided hike through the lush rain forest to learn about native wildlife, wade beneath Arenal Waterfall, or soak in Baldi Hot Springs. Although much of the park is open to the public, some portions of the volcano are accessible only as part of a guided tour. And even though the volcano itself is large, hiking is limited to the basal portions for safety reasons, as the volcano still sputters and spews on occasion. The park and surrounding areas are rich in lava-less activities: Combo tours help you make the most of your visit to the Arenal area, pairing a trip to the volcano with nearby attractions such as La Fortuna Hot Springs, Venado Caves, Lake Arenal, and the Peñas Blancas River for activities including zipline and hanging bridge canopy tours, waterfalls and hot springs visits, horseback riding, rappelling, safari floats, and whitewater rafting.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Arenal Volcano tours from San Jose can last upward of 12 hours.
- Many tours include hotel pickup and dropoff from the La Fortuna area.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven ground.
- Although the volcano’s summit is closed for safety reasons, there are plenty of hiking trails closer to the base.
How to Get There
Many guided tours depart from La Fortuna, the closest city to Arenal Volcano National Park—about 30 minutes away by car. Day tours from larger cities such as San Jose, Liberia, and Monteverde are best accomplished with a private car, taxi, or professional shuttle service, which keep travel times down to roughly three hours from each. Those looking for more budget-friendly options can take the public bus, but be prepared for a long trip; save travel time by checking for direct routes when possible.
When to Get There
The dry season (March to December) is generally considered the best time to view and explore Arenal; however, that is also Costa Rica’s high tourist season, so expect crowds and higher prices. Travel during the rainy season is better for budget travelers or those seeking a quieter experience.
Arenal Volcano Eruption History
After nearly 400 dormant years, Arenal Volcano exploded in 1968, burying three villages and wreaking destruction in the area. This eruption ushered in Arenal’s active period, which produced near-constant ash, smoke, and streams of molten lava until its abrupt stop in 2010. The volcano is now considered resting.
Address: Highway 142, La Fortuna 4417, Costa Rica
Hours: Open daily
Admission: US$10
From $ 30
Art Gallery of the State of Sao Paulo (Pinacoteca do Estado)
One of Brazil’s most important art museums, the Art Gallery of the State of Sao Paulo (Pinacoteca do Estado) was founded in 1905. Dedicated to 19th- and 20th-century Brazilian art, there are over 8,000 pieces in the Pinacoteca collection, including important works by São Paulo artists Almeida Júnior, Pedro Alexandrino, and Oscar Pereira da Silva. Of particular interest is the section dedicated to iconic Brazilian Modernist art.
As well as work by Brazilian artists, you’ll see canvases by European artists who were inspired by Brazil and an archive section full of documents relating to art history. In the gardens are 19th-century French sculptures. Based in Parque da Luz, the museum sits in a nice garden area.
Practical Info
At Praca da Luz 2, the Art Gallery of the State of Sao Paulo is right by Luz metro and train station. It's open from Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5:30pm (closing time at 6pm). On Thursdays, the museum stays open until 10pm, and admission is free from 6-10pm. Admission is also free on Saturdays. Otherwise, entry costs R$6. Audio guides are available in Portuguese, English and Spanish, and there's a museum cafe on the ground floor.
Address: Praça da Luz, 2 - Luz, Sao Paulo 01120-010, Brazil
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5:30pm (closing time at 6pm)
Admission: R$6
From $ 110
Curitiba Botanical Garden (Jardim Botanico)
The Botanical Garden of Curitiba (Jardim Botânico de Curitiba), in the middle of the city, provides a tranquil respite for locals and visitors alike. Designed in the style of French royal gardens, the park’s crown jewel is the 4,844-square-foot (450-square-meter) art nouveau, metal and glass greenhouse that sits against the Curitiba skyline.
The Basics
Curitiba’s botanical garden is home to thousands of Brazilian tropical plant species, including rare flowers, as well as beautiful statues and fountains that you can explore for hours on end. Busy locals flock here as well to take a break from life on the lush green lawns.
The garden is a highlight of broader sightseeing tours of Curitiba that also take in key landmarks such as the Oscar Niemeyer Museum (Museu Oscar Niemeyer), the Wire Opera House (Ópera de Arame), and Tangua Park (Parque Tanguá).
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Botanical Gardens of Curitiba are a great place to sit and rejuvenate after a long day of sightseeing in the city.
- Wear layers to the park, as the weather can change quickly.
- The park is wheelchair accessible via the paved walkways throughout most of the premises.
How to Get There
The Jardim Botânico is easily accessible by foot from Curitiba’s city center. You can also take a number of city buses—including the tourist bus, Linha Turismo—to the garden. It is advised not to drive, as parking is very limited.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the Botanical Gardens is during the spring months of September, October, and November, when the plants and flowers are just starting to bloom. The summer months, while busier, are also beautiful for relaxing and picnicking on the plush lawns.
The Garden of Sensations
Since 2008, the Jardim Botânico de Curitiba has hosted an exhibit dubbed “The Garden of Sensations” in which visitors can experience vegetation with their senses. You can learn about 60 species of flora without your vision, by using smell and touch instead. It is one of the most popular exhibits of the gardens and intrigues guests of all ages.
Address: Curitiba, PR 80210-390, Brazil
From $ 64
Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop's Slope)
Cuesta del Obispo, or Bishop’s Slope, is a hill southwest of Salta, Argentina along the way to the village of Cachí. Its name derives from the 1600s when a bishop was traveling through the area. He was so mesmerized by the sky that he decided he had to stop and sleep under the stars that night. The locals started calling the hill the Slope Where the Bishop Slept, and eventually it was shortened to Bishop's Slope.
The hill is in the Calchaquí Valley, which was once much more populated, but the natives were conquered by the Incas who were later conquered by the Spaniards. The hill offers a perfect viewpoint over the Enchanted Valley. The slope itself is a long dirt road that leads up the hill and ends at La Piedra del Molino (the Millstone) at an elevation of nearly 11,000 feet above sea level.
Practical Info
Bishop's Slope is located approximately 64 miles southwest of Salta, Argentina. To get there, take routes 68 and 33, or join a tour of the region.
Address: Argentina
From $ 36
Archbishop's Palace
Located in Lima’s Plaza de Armas, the Archbishop’s Palace is an extraordinary example of neo-classical architecture. Rising next to the Lima Cathedral, this plot of land has been the Archbishop’s residence since Francisco Pizarro decreed it as such in 1535. The building, however, is relatively new, constructed in 1924 after the previous building, which had stood for years, was in dire need of repair. In addition to the soaring and intricately carved façade, there are spectacular carvings on the cedar balconies that hang above the front door. On the palace interior, light filtering through stained glass windows falls softly on marble staircases that are lined with duel wooden balconies. With its regal—almost museum-like—quality, it’s hard to imagine that anyone is actually fortunate enough to live in the palace, which is still the home of Lima’s Archbishop and holds offices for the Cardinal of Peru. Guided tours of the palace are available for a deeper insight to the building, and it’s a captivating sight even from the exterior when exploring the Plaza de Armas.
Practical Info
The Archbishop’s Palace is open to visitors from 9am-5pm, Monday through Saturday. There is an admission fee of approximately $6 to enter the Palace, or a combination ticket of $10 for the palace as well as the Cathedral.
Address: Jirón Carabaya, Lima 15001, Peru
Admission: $6
From $ 32
Fora Beach (Ranchos)
Brazil is known for its incredible beaches, clear waters and long stretches of pure, white sand. And while the coast is lined with sweet escapes that are perfect for sun worshipers and snorkelers alike, Fora Beach—also known as Ranchos—ranks among the nation’s best.
Located in a part of Rio de Janeiro known as Trindade, Ranchos is one of six distinctly unique beaches that draw travelers beyond city limits and into the wilds of nature. With impressive waves, protected swimming areas and shaded trees ideal for cooling off, Fora Beach has something for everyone. Plus, its close proximity to rolling hills and thick forests make it a destination that’s as perfect for water lovers as it is for outdoor adventurers.
Practical Info
February tends to be Paraty’s rainiest month, so travelers looking to soak up the sun on the shores of For a Beach should avoid traveling then. Cool ocean breezes and afternoon sprinkles offer visitors respite on even the hottest summer days.
Address: Paraty, RJ, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 52
Fortaleza de Santa Cruz da Barra
This historic structure served as Guanabara Bay’s main coastal defense site during Brazil’s colonial period. Today, some 3,500 travelers make their way through the walls of Fortaleza de Santa Cruz da Barra every month, making it one of Rio’s top attractions.
Visitors will learn how the fort was renamed in 1612 and can see an impressive collection of military artifacts and memorabilia that include massive bronze bullets, battery canons and other weapons of war. A tour of the grounds includes an up-close look at the Chapel of Santa Barbara, watchtowers, dungeon cells (including the site where hangings took place), lighthouse and the famous sundial, which dates back to 1820.
Practical Info
The Fortress of Santa Cruz da Barra is located on the east side of Guanabara Bay in Niteroi. Guided tours take place every hour and last approximately 45 minutes.
Address: Niterói, Brazil
Hours: Tue-Sun: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Admission: Fee charged
From $ 36
Buenos Aires Zoo
With over 350 different animal species and an acclaimed exotic breeding program, Buenos Aires Zoo is the go-to place for urban wildlife spotting, hitting headlines at the start of 2013 when one of its Bengal White Tigers produced a rare litter of four cubs. Located close to Plaza Italia in the heart of the city’s Palermo district, the zoo has been running since 1888 and today houses over 2,500 animal inhabitants, as well as spearheading Argentina’s zoological research, education and preservation efforts.
The 18-hectare park aims to mimic a range of different ecosystems, with a variety of unique enclosures and architecturally impressive buildings, set around a boating lake and island inhabited by a population of Madagascan Lemurs. Highlights include the subtropical jungle exhibition, where a suspension bridge offers a prime view of the lush vegetation and birdlife; an aquarium where piranhas, sea sharks and tropical fish are displayed alongside a penguin and seal pool; a Japanese style pagoda housing a family of Giant pandas; and a dimly-lit bat enclosure. Giraffes, rhinoceros, pumas, lions, monkeys and elephants are just some of the zoo’s animal inhabitants, along with some more unique specimens like Red Pandas, Orangutans and a colorful array of native birdlife. There’s even a petting zoo where visitors can interact and feed goats, donkeys, llamas and Shetland ponies. The zoo also frequently opens its doors during the evening hours with after-dark visits offering the chance to see a different side of the animals’ lifestyle as well as getting the rare opportunity to watch the zoo’s nocturnal animals at large.
The 18-hectare park aims to mimic a range of different ecosystems, with a variety of unique enclosures and architecturally impressive buildings, set around a boating lake and island inhabited by a population of Madagascan Lemurs. Highlights include the subtropical jungle exhibition, where a suspension bridge offers a prime view of the lush vegetation and birdlife; an aquarium where piranhas, sea sharks and tropical fish are displayed alongside a penguin and seal pool; a Japanese style pagoda housing a family of Giant pandas; and a dimly-lit bat enclosure. Giraffes, rhinoceros, pumas, lions, monkeys and elephants are just some of the zoo’s animal inhabitants, along with some more unique specimens like Red Pandas, Orangutans and a colorful array of native birdlife. There’s even a petting zoo where visitors can interact and feed goats, donkeys, llamas and Shetland ponies. The zoo also frequently opens its doors during the evening hours with after-dark visits offering the chance to see a different side of the animals’ lifestyle as well as getting the rare opportunity to watch the zoo’s nocturnal animals at large.
Practical Info
Routes to take by transit: Bus: 10, 12, 15, 21, 29, 34, 57, 59, 60, 64, 67, 68, 93, 95, 111, 118, 128, 141, 152, 160, 161, 188, 194. Subway: Line D (at Plaza Italia). Train: Metropolitano (at Palermo Station).
Address: Av Sarmiento y Av Las Heras, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Open Tue-Sun: 10am - 5pm, park closes at 6pm.
Admission: Zoo Passport: 60 Pesos
From $ 16
Fortabat Art Collection (Coleccion de Arte Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat)
Located in the northern part of Puerto Madero, the Fortabat Art Collection (Coleccion de Arte Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat) houses and displays Argentine and international art from the collection of the late cement heiress and socialite Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat.
Argentina’s wealthiest woman was closely involved in the design of the largely concrete building, designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly and completed in 2003, and among the pieces on display are a colorful Warhol portrait of the woman herself, as well as several works my her granddaughter.
The museum is divided between Argentine art — with galleries devoted to Raúl Soldi and Antonio Berni — and international works. Highlights include pieces by Salvador Dalí, Auguste Rodin, Brueghel and Pablo Picasso.
The museum’s dockside cafe is a wonderful spot to watch the sunset in the evening.
Practical Info
Photography is not permitted within the museum and mobile phones should be turned off.
Address: Olga Cossettini 141, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Open Tues-Sun Noon-8pm
Admission: AR$70
From $ 53
Crystal Cave (Mountain Cow Cave)
Crystal Cave, also known as Mountain Cow Cave, is located within the Blue Hole National Park near Belmopan, Belize’s capital city. To get to Crystal Cave, you may have to start with a moderately challenging, 50-minute hike through lush rain forest and steep terrain. Depending on your entrance point, you then descend by rope for 15 feet to drop into the mouth of the cave.
Ancient Mayans believed this to be the domain of their gods, earning it the name of Xibalba. Mayans said this is the portal between the tangible human world and the invisible world of the gods. Sacred rituals and important ceremonies were once performed here, and visitors today will see remnants such as ceremonial bowls, pots, and even skeletal remains from sacrificial victims.
Crystal Cave is also full of natural wonders including unique rock formations, massive stalagmites and crystal clusters, a major attraction. The calcite formations cover the floors, walls, and ceiling of Crystal Cave. Some tours include the opportunity to explore Crystal Cave in the water, as you can embark on a refreshing cave tubing journey as you meander along the waters of Xibalba and through an impressive Gothic chamber with hidden pottery dating back to 300 AD.
Practical Info
Visitors to Crystal Cave should be in moderate physical health and able to withstand a lengthy hike over varying inclines. Crystal Cave may not be for travelers who have a fear of dark and tight passages. Bring bug spray, sunblock, and a change of dry clothes, as you may get wet.
Address: Blue Hole National Park, Belmopan 5012, Belize
From $ 110
Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno)
Located in a former tobacco warehouse in the historic San Telmo neighborhood, the Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno), or MAMBA for short, showcases a 7,000-piece permanent collection of contemporary art from largely Argentine artists.
While the building has been renovated, its exposed brick facade and wrought-iron fixtures remain throughout, where gallery spaces display art from the 1920s through to the present day. While paintings and other more traditional mediums are represented, the collection also encompasses photography, graphic design, printmaking, concrete sculpture, audiovisual experiences and works of new media.
Practical Info
Don’t miss the temporary exhibitions, which highlight works of local and Latin American artists working in a variety of (sometimes unusual) mediums.
Address: Av. San Juan 350, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Open Tues-Fri 11am-7pm; Sat-Sun 11am-8pm
Admission: AR$20. Tuesdays free
From $ 53
Cusco Cathedral (Catedral del Cuzco)
Cusco’s Cathedral of Santo Domingo is a colonial gem, boasting an altar of silver and a magnificently carved choir.
The building stands on the site of an Inca palace, and was built from stone blocks removed from the nearby Inca city of Sacsayhuaman by the triumphant conquistadors.
The elaborately decorated cathedral was built from 1559 to 1654 on the city’s main square, Plaza de Armas, and is filled with colonial artworks, artifacts and richly decorated chapels.
The most famous artwork is a Last Supper painting by Marcos Zapata featuring a meal of local guinea pig served with an Inca corn beverage.
The highly ornamental facade features two domes flanking the chapels and nave, built in a Gothic-Renaissance hybrid style.
The building stands on the site of an Inca palace, and was built from stone blocks removed from the nearby Inca city of Sacsayhuaman by the triumphant conquistadors.
The elaborately decorated cathedral was built from 1559 to 1654 on the city’s main square, Plaza de Armas, and is filled with colonial artworks, artifacts and richly decorated chapels.
The most famous artwork is a Last Supper painting by Marcos Zapata featuring a meal of local guinea pig served with an Inca corn beverage.
The highly ornamental facade features two domes flanking the chapels and nave, built in a Gothic-Renaissance hybrid style.
Practical Info
Cusco’s La Catedral is on the central Plaza de Armas, flanked by two similarly ornate churches.
Address: Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Cultural Center of the Americas (Centro Cultural America)
The Cultural Center of the Americas is a building and organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting cultural events in Salta, Argentina. Events held here include concerts, art exhibits, educational workshops, and cultural, social and business groups. The building was designed by renowned architect and engineer Arturo Prins, and it was built in a French Neo-Baroque style in the early 1900s. Its original intent was to house the 20th of February Club, but the building was expropriated by Ricardo Durán, the governor of Salta at the time. It was a government building for about 40 years after that.
In 1987 the building underwent renovations and became the cultural center it is today. Artists from around the world come here to present their work in art shows, musicians perform here, political and economic conventions are held here, and many other organizations use the cultural center as an entertainment venue.
Practical Info
The Cultural Center of the Americas is located at Bartolomé Mitre 23.
Address: Bartolomé Mitre 23, Salta, Argentina
From $ 20
Founder's Mansion (La Mansión del Fundador)
The history of Founder's Mansion dates back to the early days when the Spanish first occupied Peru. Originally owned by Arequipa’s founder, Garcí Manuel de Carbajal, it was purchased by Spaniard Juan Crisóstomo de Goyeneche y Aguerreverre and used as a country estate for ecclesiastical and civil dignitaries of the era. As the years passed, the building became dilapidated, until 1981 when it was purchased by a group passionate about Arequipa’s heritage. Visitors can still take in 16th-century architecture, and the mansion is predominantly composed of ashlar stone and thick walls with artwork, numerous vaults, antique furniture and colonial-style rooms.
Photo courtesy of Vramirez via Wikimedia.
Address: Arequipa, Peru
Hours: Daily 9am–5pm
Admission: S13
From $ 15
Crystal Palace
Petrópolis is as town that was originally founded upon royal opulence and wealth, and nothing says lavish, regal design than a building constructed of crystal. Today, the Crystal Palace is a large greenhouse that’s comprised mostly of glass, although the sparkly chandelier inside the building still has the crystal touch.
Built in France and transported here to the hills outside of Rio, the palace was initially offered as a gift from Count D’Eu to Princess Izabel. For years this venue was used to host the royalty’s extravagant balls, and there are still concerts and opera events that are held in the palace today. If staying in Petrópolis, check the schedule of events for the palace to experience one of the shows. Or, if visiting on a day trip from Rio de Janeiro, wander around the manicured grounds that line the historic greenhouse—imagining life as a Brazilian Princess in a palace with crystal walls.
Practical Info
There’s no admission fee to visit the Crystal Palace, which is located by Parca da Confluencia near the city center of Petrópolis.
Address: Rua Alfredo Pacha, s/n, Petropolis, RJ, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 59
Fonte Nova Stadium
Opened in 2013, this massive stadium, which seats some 55,000 sports fans, was built by German architects and played host to World Cup excitement in 2014. Teams from Spain, Nigeria, Switzerland and the Netherlands have all graced the green of this iconic field. And in 2016, Fonte Nova Stadium again posed as a global soccer stage during the Summer Olympics.
Travelers agree that the impressive sports structure is worth checking out. A positive police presence has increased security, making it relatively safe and easy to move around the sports Mecca. While there are few places of interest beyond the gates of Fonte Nova, guided tours—which include a behind-the-scenes look at the locker rooms and playing field where some of the world’s top soccer players have already stepped foot—make it worth a visit for soccer fans and sports fanatics alike.
Practical Info
The stadium is accessible by cab, but travelers should note that vehicles are only permitted to travel to specified locations. As a result, visitors must walk around two or three kilometers to stadium’s entrance. Catching a cab post-match can be a true test of patience, so travelers should be prepared to wait.
Address: Ladeira da Fonte das Pedras, Salvador 40050-565, Brazil
From $ 9
Cusco Historic Center
Once the shimmering capital of the entire Inca Empire, Cusco is the gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the ruins of Machu Picchu. Bearing its original Inca name, meaning “Navel of the Earth,” Cusco pulsates with a unique and magical energy rivaled by few other South American cities, most notably in its historic center.
The Basics
Begin a visit to the historic center—a UNESCO World Heritage SIte since 1983—at the Plaza de Armas, also known as Plaza Mayor. Festooned with fountains, this magnetic square is lined with gorgeous charming colonial buildings and churches that live alongside—and at times atop—ancient Inca walls and foundations.
There are many options for exploring Cusco’s historic center; private or group tours run day and night. Multi-day tours may incorporate visits to Lake Humantay, Machu Picchu, and other key attractions inside the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas. Cyclists may opt to explore Cusco as part of a multi-day mountain bike trek.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Many attractions in the historic center have small entrance fees, which would be included if you are visiting as part of a larger tour.
- Though the center is safe, it’s always recommended to be careful with your possessions and avoid wearing eye-catching jewelry and accessories.
- Remember sun protection.
- Because of the high altitude, be sure to stay hydrated and take it slow. Chewing on coca leaves or drinking coca tea helps alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.
How to Get There
The historic center of Cusco is walkable from most hotels. If you’re staying farther away, book a tour that includes round-trip transportation, as public transit is scant.
When to Get There
As the center of life in Cusco, the historic center is popular with all travelers in the region, and it’s great any time of day. At night, the illuminated Plaza de Armas and its grand cathedral create one of the most enchanting sights in Peru.
Attention: Painting Buffs
Pay a visit to Santo Domingo Church, just off the main plaza, a colonial church built atop an Inca temple. Dedicated to the worship of the sun, the sacred structure was at one point flush with statues and altars made of solid gold. Though Spanish conquistadors violently looted the temple, much of the original site, with its masterful masonry, remains, and stands in stark contrast to the baroque church above.
Address: Centro Historico, Cusco, Peru
From $ 36
Crystal Beach
On the edge of Tayrona National Natural Park and the northern coast of Colombia, Crystal Beach is one of the most picturesque white sand beaches in South America. Its clear turquoise waters provide ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling. Many come to relax on the soft sand shaded by coconut palms or to eat fresh seafood caught right off the shore. It is also a great base for exploring the Tayrona National Park, one of Colombia’s most important protected ecological areas, for the day.
Marine life in the waters off Crystal Beach includes sea turtles, dolphins, and several species of fish. Even without spotting one these creatures, the coral and sponges of the reef provide colorful underwater scenes. The Caribbean reefs offshore also attract those seeking scuba diving and other water sports.
Practical Info
Crystal Beach can be accessed via a short bus and boat ride from Santa Marta.
Address: Road to Cienaga - Tayrona Park, Santa Marta, Columbia, Colombia
From $ 48
Fort Bulnes (Fuerte Bulnes)
Visitors to Fort Bulnes, located atop an unforgiving hillside, will surely take note of the unprecedented lengths colonizers went to in order to stake their claim on such inhospitable land.
Ancient shipwrecks that line the coastal route between this popular destination and Punta Arenas serve as a reminder of just how treacherous travel could be. While the fort’s museum, which explores the colonization history in Southern Chile and replicas of a historic church, jail, post office and stables are definitely worth the trip, visitors agree that it’s the epic views from scenic trails and the ancient watchtower that prove to be most memorable.
Practical Info
Fuerte Bulnes is located across from Tierra del Fuego near the Strait of Magellan. It is about 60 kilometers south of Punta Arenas.
Address: Chile
From $ 27