Choose from 1,039 Fun Things to Do in Central And South America
ShowingFilter 201-220 of 1039 listings.
Ascensor El Peral
Ascensor El Peral may not be Valparaiso’s oldest elevator, but visitors say this classic ascensor offers a quick trip to Cerro Alegre and the city’s Museu de Bellas Artes. The rickety ride saves travelers the trouble of climbing steep—if scenic—slopes. While the trip itself isn’t necessarily picturesque, quiet overlooks offer up a chance to take in the view. Visitors can take another ascensor, the nearby Concepcion—the city’s oldest elevator, down the hills for a slightly different look at the landscapes.
Practical Info
Ascensor El Peral is located near Plaza de Justicia and Paseo Yugoslavo. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and admission is 100 pesos per person.
Address: Plaza de Justicia and Paseo Yugoslavo, Valparaiso, Chile
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Admission: 100 pesos
From $ 104
Ausangate
The Inca Trail might be the most popular trek in the Peruvian Andes near Cusco, but an arguably equally impressive (and certainly less crowded) trail leads visitors to Ausangate. Nevado Ausangate, the highest mountain in southern Peru, peaks at 20,945 feet (6,384 meters) above sea level. On a clear day, the snow-topped peak can be seen from Cusco.
The Ausangate Trail, named after the peak, takes five to six days, plus travel time to and from Cusco from the trail head. The trail begins in the brown grasslands of the Andean plateau and crosses four high-altitude passes, covering some of the most stunning terrain in the Cusco region. The trail, much of it at altitudes of more than 13,100 feet (4,000 meters) passes high alpine lakes, glacial valleys and small villages where alpacas graze freely and residents still dress in their traditional attire.
Practical Info
The Ausangate Trail starts and ends in the village of Tinqui, about three hours east of Cusco.
Address: Peru
From $ 50
Galerias Pacifico
Located on the already shopping-centric Florida Street in Buenos Aires, Galerias Pacifico is one of the city’s most historic shopping centers. The Beaux Arts building — it was inspired by the Gallerias Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan — was built during the 1890s as the Argentine headquarters of Le Bon Marche, a Parisian department store. Soon other businesses began renting other parts of the building, including offices of the Buenos Aires and Pacific Railway, which lent the building its name.
A range of midrange and upscale international brands now make their home within Galerias Pacifico, including Adidas, Chanel, Swarovski and Tommy Hilfiger. But what sets it apart from similar malls in the capital is the architecture of the building itself. Of particular note are the huge murals painted across the interior dome of the mall, commissioned in 1947 and painted by Argentina’s best artists of the time.
Practical Info
Galerias Pacifico is located about halfway between metro stops General San Martin and Lavalle.
Address: Florida 753, Buenos Aires, Retiro, Argentina, Argentina
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun Noon-9pm
From $ 16
Auto Safari Chapin
Created as a way to both protect endangered native wildlife and show off Guatemala’s natural beauty, the Auto Safari Chapin gives visitors the chance to drive cars through a wilderness setting to see elusive jaguars, tapirs, spider monkeys and white-tailed deer. Other species from around the world to see include giraffes, hippos, water buffalo, ostriches and the crowd favorites: the tiny pygmy goats from Cameroon that charm visitors with their funny antics. All animals at the park roam freely in large enclosures, making the drive feel just like a real wild safari.
Apart from the bigger enclosures, Auto Safari Chapin also includes a smaller walk-through zoo near the entrance, plus a large recreation area with a restaurant. Families with children enjoy the pool area and there is also a lake, where boat rides offer a chance to see pelicans, iguanas and other reptiles. Make sure to keep an eye on the surrounding trees as well, as their branches are the favorite lounging spot for a group of spider monkeys.
Practical Info
Auto Safari Chapin is located in the department of Escuintla, about 80 kilometers south of Guatemala City. The drive should take roughly two hours. The site is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., although the restaurant opens one hour later than the park gates.
Address: Km 87.5 Carretera a Taxisco, Escuintla, Guatemala
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30am to 5pm
Admission: Adults: Q60.00, Child (2-10 years old): Q50.00
From $ 269
Fuegian Andes
The Fuegian Andes, which cross the entire Tierra Del Fuego Archipelago, are the southernmost chain of the Andes Mountains. Although quite small compared to other areas of South America’s mountain chain, its tallest peaks still look quite formidable because they rise straight out of the ocean to heights just over 2,500 meters.
Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano are two popular summer destinations in the region, especially for keen sport fishermen as both lakes support tremendous populations of Rainbow and brown trout. Endless hiking trails and several backcountry refugios make exploring much of the mountain range closer to Ushuaia possible throughout the summer months. Wildlife is quite limited, but there is an abundance of rabbits, guanacos, condors and non-native Canadian beavers throughout the mountains. Mountain lions – known locally as pumas – are rarely seen.
Because of their southern latitude, the Fuegian Andes have long cold winters comparable to other regions in South America. Cerro Castor holds the title as the world’s most southern ski field. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular near the lakes.
Practical Info
Ushuaia, Argentina, is the largest city in Tierra Del Fuego and the natural starting point to explore the Fuegian Andes. The hiking and climbing season lasts from December to March, while the ski season begins in late June and continues until September.
Address: Argentina
From $ 61
Francisco Brennand Ceramic Workshop (Oficina Ceramica Francisco Brennand)
One of the most important cultural centers in Recife, the Francisco Brennand Ceramic Workshop attracts tourists, locals, artists and amateurs alike. This impressive sculpture gallery and garden honor the works one of Brazil’s renowned ceramic artists, Francisco Brennand. Founded by the artist himself, Brennand created the workshop on a large piece of land located within the bustling city of Recife to showcase his life’s work, as well as create a workshop for sculpture and ceramic artists.
The expansive grounds are dotted with galleries, outdoor sculptures, and ponds amid a tropical landscape. Visitors can roam freely on the winding paths, in and out of the breezy buildings and workspaces and admire Brennand’s famously exotic, sensual and mysterious sculptures. Highlights include an ornate ceramic gazebo, intricate ceramic tiles, a sundial and sculptures incorporated into fountains and ponds.
Practical Info
The Francisco Brennand Ceramic Workshop is located at Propriedade Santos Cosme e Damião s/n in the Várzea neighborhood of Recife. It is open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday until 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is R$10 for adults and R$5 for students, teachers and seniors over 60.
Address: Propriedade Santos Cosme e Damião, s/n - Várzea | Acesso pela Av. Caxangá, Recife, Brazil
Hours: Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays until 4 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: R$10 for adults, R$5 for children, students, teachers and seniors over 60.
From $ 50
Dedalo Market
If it isn’t a vacation until you go shopping, Dedalo Market in the Barranco district will make the visit official. Here at this bohemian, coastal plaza, visitors can find everything from designer jewelry to contemporary Peruvian art. The items you’ll find at Dedalo Market are different than you might find in Cuzco, and there isn’t as much Incan or “traditional” heritage at this finer, higher-end market. Instead, shelves are filled with colorful blown glass and handmade ceramic bowls, or elegant wood and stone carvings you’d use to decorate a home. Prices are fixed at most of the stores and the setting is modern and comfortable, so there isn’t the haggling or pressure to buy that accompanies goods on the street. To take a break from the souvenir hunt, relax at the small coffee shop on the plaza’s inside patio, or cross the street for a view of the coast and the smell of salt on the breeze. While the market itself isn’t excessively large or even traditionally Peruvian, it’s a trendy spot for that unique purchase that no one will have back at home.
Practical Info
The Dedalo Market is open Monday-Saturday from 10am-8pm. The market is located on Paseo Saenz Peña, and is a short drive from Miraflores and neighboring Chorillos districts.
Address: Saenz Peña, Lima, Peru
From $ 60
Cachoeira Toboga
This incredible waterfall in the heart of the rainforest is just 30 minutes outside Paraty. Its one-of-a-kind natural waterslide sends travelers shooting down slippery rocks into a warm water pool. Expert guides can help visitors navigate the best (and safest) rocky crags, but it is possible to venture to Cachoeira without taking a tour. Spend some time splashing around this unique destination, then head to nearby Bar Tarzan, where an old creaky bridge leads to cold beers, delicious snacks and the perfect place to unwind.
Practical Info
Cachoeira Toboga is accessible via private taxi from the Historical center for about 40 reals. Travelers can also catch the less expensive local bus to Penha, or minivans that leave from the vacant lot across from the public bus station.
Address: Cachoeira Toboga, Brazil
From $ 58
Caf e de los Angelitos
With a legacy dating back to the 1890s, Café de los Angelitos is one of the most historic and atmospheric tango venues in Buenos Aires. Once a favorite hangout of tango legends Carlos Gardel and José Razzano, the café was immortalized in their 1944 song “Café de los Angelitos.”
The Basics
Though daytime visitors stop by for lunch or coffee in the café, the highlight of a visit is attending an evening tango performance, held in the auditorium. It’s a spectacular show, with a cast of around 30 tango dancers and live musicians, dazzling costumes, and a variety of tango styles. Visitors can opt to attend the show with drinks included, enjoy a 3-course pre-show dinner at the venue, or watch from the VIP balconies.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no dress code for the evening tango shows, but most guests wear smart-casual attire.
- The main café area serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and live music is often performed in the afternoons.
- Free Wi-Fi is available on-site.
- The café and auditorium are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to There
The café is located on the corner of Rincon and Rivadavia, three blocks west of Plaza de Congreso or about a 5-minute walk. The closest metro (subte) stations are Pasco (Line A) and Congreso (Line A), both around 2 blocks away.
When to Get There
Tango shows are held nightly year-round and typically start late (after 9pm), so it’s worth opting for a tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
Tango in Buenos Aires
The Argentine tango became popular in the bars and brothels of Buenos Aires’ working class neighborhoods during the 19th century, and today, the traditional dance is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Tango is everywhere in Buenos Aires, whether dancers are performing at San Telmo’s Sunday market, a glamorous tango dinner show, or a local milonga. Buenos Aires also hosts the International Tango Festival each August.
Address: Av. Rivadavia 2100 (esq. Rincón), Buenos Aires, Argentina
Admission: Varies
From $ 42
Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center
Located in the historic neighborhood of La Candelaria in downtown Bogotá, the Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center is a modern addition to the area, having opened its doors in 2008. The center naturally pays homage to Colombia's most famous author from which it takes its name, but in fact hosts a whole range of cultural events that is not limited to purely literature. The complex features an auditorium, a temporary exhibitions space, an expansive bookstore, a restaurant, and a Juan Valdez cafe.
In order to get a good sense of Bogota’s history and culture, many choose to visit the Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center as part of a La Candelaria and Monserrate walking tour, which also incorporates the attractions of the Plaza de Bolívar and Chorro de Quevedo, as well as including a trip to the summit of Mount Monserrate for sweeping views across the city.
Practical Info
The Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center is located in the historic area of La Candelaria in downtown Bogotá. Depending on your location, the easiest way to reach it is on foot.
Did You Know? Gabriel García Márquez was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982, making him only the fourth Latin American in history to do so.
Address: Calle 11, No 560, Bogota, Colombia
Hours: Various
From $ 43
Cacheuta
Argentina’s hot-spring spa town of Cacheuta has been a popular Andean resort since the early 1900s. Hot springs are a feature of the Andean foothills, and Cacheuta is one of the country’s major spa resorts. The first resort opened in 1904, and became a byword for luxurious relaxation, with bathing establishments and direct access to the spa from the town’s train station.
All this was swept away by the floods of 1934. Today, the ruins of the original spa are preserved within the new resort. Visitors can swim in the resort’s pools, have mud baths and spas in a series of rock pools lining the river, indulge in massage therapies, or go horseback riding and walking. The spa hotel offers luxury accommodation, and day visitors can use the day spa facilities, including sauna, thermal pools and relaxation areas. The resort also has an aqua park for all the family, with pools, slides and waterfalls.
All this was swept away by the floods of 1934. Today, the ruins of the original spa are preserved within the new resort. Visitors can swim in the resort’s pools, have mud baths and spas in a series of rock pools lining the river, indulge in massage therapies, or go horseback riding and walking. The spa hotel offers luxury accommodation, and day visitors can use the day spa facilities, including sauna, thermal pools and relaxation areas. The resort also has an aqua park for all the family, with pools, slides and waterfalls.
Practical Info
Cacheuta is 30 minutes southwest of Mendoza, not far from Embalse Potrerillos.
Address: Argentina
Admission: From AR$650
From $ 15
Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica)
The Atlantic Forest, or Mata Atlantica Biosphere Reserve, covers 14 states and spreads over more than 20,000 acres in Brazil. It’s formed of the remnants of a larger terrestrial ecosystem that once ran down the country's eastern coast, extending 3,000 km from Rio Grande do Norte to the Argentine border and as far inland as Paraguay. Located within the biosphere reserve are the urban parks of Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro and Cantareira State Park in Sao Paulo.
The Atlantic Forest is known for its expanses of tropical rainforest and is home to extraordinary biodiversity and an especially high number of endemic species; roughly half of all the species of plant and animal life in the Atlantic Forest exist only within its boundaries.
At one time, Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest was twice the size of Texas. But today, nearly 85 percent of this natural habitat has been clear-cut in response to the growing demand for local business, industry and trade. In light of these human impacts, the Atlantic Forest has become an important location for organizations working toward environmental conservation. In particular, there are numerous protected areas in the Atlantic Forest that offer visitors the opportunity for hiking, birding, rafting, and many other forms of environmentally sustainable tourism.
Practical Info
The Atlantic Rainforest spans parts of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.
Address: Brazil
From $ 260
Atacama Desert
Seeing as it has the word “desert” in its name, the Atacama is a place you’d expect to be extremely and exceptionally dry. In this vast, arid moonscape, however, set halfway between sea and sky, there are isolated patches where a drop of rain has never—ever—been recorded, taking the world “desert” to another level. In fact, looking at the geology of what’s officially considered the driest desert in the world, researchers believe that the Atacama has gone 400 years without rain.
Just because it’s always sunny, however, doesn’t mean that this desert is hot. In fact, seeing as much of the Atacama Desert is well above 10,000 feet, temperatures can often dip well below freezing on clear and crisp nights. So—what’s the draw for visiting this desert with its famously harsh terrain? Because it’s the hands-down, best place in the world to look up and see the stars. Astrotourism has taken off in this northern Chilean outpost, where, thanks to the consistent clarity of the skies and pollution-free elevation, the stars, planets and depths of the universe are on brilliant display each night. From the town of San Pedro de Atacama, visitors can journey to public observatories and telescopes to literally look light-years into the heavens through a single, powerful lens. Wrap yourself in a warm blanket or clutch a steaming drink, and stand in the driest, clearest place on Earth in awe of the scenery above you. It might be cold and it might be dry, but there are few other places in the entire world where the stars all shine this bright.
Practical Info
The Atacama Desert is the driest non-polar desert on earth and can be found west of the Andes Mountains. The desert stretches for more than 1,000 kilometers.
Address: San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta Region, Chile, Chile
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 59
Cachoeira
A small colonial town set on the banks of the Paraguaçu river, Cachoeira is both the capital of Reconcavo and an important vestige of Brazil’s colonial past, and makes a popular day trip from nearby Salvador. Cachoeira’s colorful colonial buildings remain its most charming asset and the central Praça da Aclamação square is the obvious starting point for a walking tour, home to striking landmarks like the 17th-century City Hall and the baroque-style Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora do Rosário church.
Additional highlights of a visit to Cachoeira include taking a boat trip along the Rio Paraguaçu; crossing the bridge to neighboring São Félix where it’s possible to tour the Dannamann Cigar Factory, one of Brazil’s most popular tobacco brands; and discovering the region’s rich Afro-Brazilian heritage by watching a live candomblé show.
Practical Info
Cachoeira is located around 110 km from Salvador in Bahia, Brazil.
Address: Cachoeira, Bahia, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 230
Atacama Salt Lake
Atacama Salt Lake (Salar de Atacama), a salt deposit–coated lake, lies amid the Atacama Desert plains, framed by distant Andes peaks. Stretching more than 40,000 square miles (100,000 square kilometers), it’s one of the largest salt flats and the largest lithium reserve in the world.
The Basics
Explore several lagoons, most notably Miscanti and Chaxa lagoons in Los Flamencos National Reserve and Ojos del Sala, which resembles a gigantic pair of eyes. Or, swim in the salt-rich waters of Cejar sinkhole.
Explore at your own pace with a rental car or a private driver. Or, join day tours from San Pedro de Atacama, which typically combine a stop in traditional towns, such as Socaire and Toconao, with a visit to one or more lagoons. Alternatively, multi-day tours from Santiago take in all Atacama Desert highlights, including Valley of the Moon (Valle de Luna), El Tatio Geysers, Red Stone desert, and Atacama Salt Lake’s salt flats and lagoons.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to combat the desert heat. Bring warm clothing for the evening, too, as temperatures can drop quickly—even in summer.
- Most desert roads are unpaved and the terrain uneven, so a 4WD is advisable, and comfortable walking shoes are a must.
- The desert has scarce cellphone service, and only a few San Pedro de Atacama hotels offer Wi-Fi.
How to Get to There
Atacama Salt Lake, at the Atacama Desert in northeastern Chile, is less than an hour’s journey from San Pedro de Atacama, the gateway to the desert. Regular taxis, shared taxis, and tours run from San Pedro de Atacama to the lake. The closest airport is in Calama, from where buses run to San Pedro de Atacama, 60 miles (97 kilometers) away.
When to Get There
Summer (December–February) is the most popular time to explore; with warm weather fit for swimming in the lagoons. Winter (June–August) visits can be equally rewarding, although temperatures can plummet below freezing at night. A trip after one of the rare periods of rainfall can be spectacular, with blooming wildflowers adding a burst of color to the dusty plains.
Atacama Wildlife
Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on earth with less than 3 mm of annual rainfall, is home to some surprising wildlife, including southern viscacha, the llama-like vicuna, and Darwin's leaf-eared mouse. The salt lakes also attract a number of rare birds, including the endangered Andean flamingo. You might also spot Chilean flamingos and James flamingos, Puna plovers, Andean gulls, swallows, and giant hummingbirds.
Address: Ruta 23, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Admission: Free
From $ 33
Artigas Square
Artigas Square, or Plaza Artigas, is the spot to hit in Punta del Este if you have an interest in arts and crafts, as it plays host to the arts and crafts fair, where a number of artisans and painters showcase their work.
Typically you will find anywhere between 150 and 200 stalls with Uruguayan artists exhibiting a variety of items for sale. It’s the ideal spot for visitors to learn more about Uruguayan culture and for artisans to showcase their work to inquisitive travelers.
Vendor offerings at Artigas Square cover everything from clothing to cartoon drawings, while some of the most popular items include leather goods, textiles, paintings, woodwork and sculptures. Also look for valuable jewelry made from gold, silver and semi-precious stones found in the northern part of Uruguay.
The plaza is named after General José Gervasio Artigas, a national hero of Uruguay, and the square’s craft fair started on July 22, 1967. It has grown from a local market to a “must-visit” tourist spot, but despite its popularity with tourists, the vendors are traditional artisans from Uruguay.
Practical Info
The arts and crafts fair at Artigas Square takes place every night during the summer months and only on the weekends during the winter. Artigas Square borders Avenida Gorlero between Calle 25 and Calle 23.
Address: Avenida Gorlero, Punta del Este, Uruguay
From $ 32
Death Road
There is no road in Bolivia with the official name of Death Road. It’s simply a nickname, and nicknames cannot just be given, they need to be earned. In the case of the Yungas Road leading from the capital city of La Paz to the rainforest outpost of Coroico, the road just happens to earn its grisly name an astounding 200 to 300 times per year.
One of the few roads to connect the Bolivian capital with the Yungas region of the country, this 43-mile stretch of open cliff has been deemed by many international organizations as the most dangerous road in the world. At many points along the journey the road is only 10 feet wide, and at virtually no point is there anything resembling a guardrail to protect against precipitous falls measured in the thousands of feet.
Given these inherent dangerous and obvious risks, what’s the only natural thing to do when visiting La Paz finding yourself only 35 miles from the Death Road? Strap on a helmet and go mountain biking of course!
Believe it or not, mountain biking on Death Road is one of the most popular tourist activities in all of Bolivia and one which takes riders from an oxygen-pinching height of 15,900 feet to the 5,000-foot rainforests of the town of Coroico. Despite the propensity for busloads of passengers to go headlong over the side of the road, biking down Death Road is actually one of the safer activities with regards to how many people actually do it. Tour operators working out of La Paz ensure that riders have fully-functioning safety equipment and professionally inspected bikes which can transport riders down Death Road safely and offer an unforgettable ride like any other.
While much of the hype surrounding Death Road is simply to say that you’ve done it, the views afforded from the mountain passes and the ability to ride behind towering waterfalls is an experience which ranks as one of the most extreme on the planet. If you know of anyone heading to La Paz, there’s a good chance you’ll find them out riding Death Road, with views of the Bolivian Altiplano stretched out like a canvas before them.
One of the few roads to connect the Bolivian capital with the Yungas region of the country, this 43-mile stretch of open cliff has been deemed by many international organizations as the most dangerous road in the world. At many points along the journey the road is only 10 feet wide, and at virtually no point is there anything resembling a guardrail to protect against precipitous falls measured in the thousands of feet.
Given these inherent dangerous and obvious risks, what’s the only natural thing to do when visiting La Paz finding yourself only 35 miles from the Death Road? Strap on a helmet and go mountain biking of course!
Believe it or not, mountain biking on Death Road is one of the most popular tourist activities in all of Bolivia and one which takes riders from an oxygen-pinching height of 15,900 feet to the 5,000-foot rainforests of the town of Coroico. Despite the propensity for busloads of passengers to go headlong over the side of the road, biking down Death Road is actually one of the safer activities with regards to how many people actually do it. Tour operators working out of La Paz ensure that riders have fully-functioning safety equipment and professionally inspected bikes which can transport riders down Death Road safely and offer an unforgettable ride like any other.
While much of the hype surrounding Death Road is simply to say that you’ve done it, the views afforded from the mountain passes and the ability to ride behind towering waterfalls is an experience which ranks as one of the most extreme on the planet. If you know of anyone heading to La Paz, there’s a good chance you’ll find them out riding Death Road, with views of the Bolivian Altiplano stretched out like a canvas before them.
Address: Yungas Road, La Paz, Bolivia
From $ 125
Cabildo
El Cabildo, a modest, two-story colonial building along the edge of Plaza de Mayo, once served as Buenos Aires’s original city hall. Within the white facade, meetings were held about Argentina’s declaration of independence in the first decades of the nineteenth century, the Uruguayan constitution was signed within the building in 1830, and it housed the National Court of Justice during the late 1800s.
Today, Cabildo is one of the few colonial structures still standing in Buenos Aires. The facade now houses a small museum showcasing paintings, furniture, antiques and costumes from the colonial period. The windows of the building offer some of the best views of the historic plaza just outside.
Practical Info
Plan your visit to Cabildo near the top of the hour to see the changing of the guards ceremony staged out front. On Thursday and Friday afternoons, a craft market is held in the back patio of the building.
Address: Bolívar 65, Buenos Aires 1066, Argentina
From $ 16
Ascensor Concepcion
Built in 1883, Ascensor Concepcion is the city’s oldest elevator. Once powered by steam, today this electric ride sends travelers up to the Concepcion Cerro, where they are met with charming cobble streets, colorful homes and a handful of cafes, restaurants and bars that serve lunch, dinner and coffee el fresco.
While travelers warn the ancient carriages can feel a little risky, the view from the top (and energy saved by not making the climb on foot) is worth the jarring ride. The elevator makes regular trips, which means cars are rarely crowded and visitors will likely find one departing almost as soon as they arrive.
Practical Info
Ascensor Concepcion is located at El Plan and Paseo Gervasoni in Cerro Concepcion. Admission is about 300 pesos per person and it’s open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.
Address: El Plan & Paseo Gervasoni, Valparaiso, Chile
Hours: Open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily
Admission: 300 pesos
From $ 104
Cachi
Cachi, a tiny pueblo of only 5,000 people in northwestern Argentina, offers visitors a blissfully quiet base for exploring the Calchaquí Valley and surrounding archaeological sites, many of which exist well off Salta’s usual tourist path.
While locals call it “the city,” Cachi is little more than a smattering of houses, a 17th-century Spanish colonial church, an impressive archaeological museum, the Centro Artesanal (a great place to buy hand-woven ponchos) and a couple of restaurants and hotels, all surrounded by the arid mountains of the province.
The reason people come to Cachi isn’t the town, per se, but the archaeological sites that lie just outside. La Paya, about six miles (10 km) to the south, and Potrero de Payogasta to the north are considered the most important. The cactus-laden landscape surrounding Cachi, particularly through the Calchaquí Valley, is perfect for exploring on horseback.
Practical Info
The journey between Salta and Cachi is served by only a single bus company and takes just over four hours. There’s also a fixed-price taxi service.
Address: Cachi, Salta, Argentina
Hours: Daily
From $ 36