Choose from 1,039 Fun Things to Do in Central And South America
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Calbuco Volcano
The Calbuco Volcano, one of two snow-capped volcanic cones rising above the town of Puerto Varas on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, is also one of Chile’s most active volcanoes with 36 confirmed eruptions — 13 recorded since 1893. In April 2015, Calbuco erupted three times in a period of eight days. While not a perfect cone like neighboring Osorno Volcano, the sight of Calbuco is equally magnificent.
Calbuco Volcano is located within Llanquihue National Reserve. Some of the best views of the peak can be seen while trekking through the park.
Practical Info
While it is usually possible to trek to the peak of the volcano, there is currently a 12-mile (20-kilometer) no-go zone surrounding the crater due to recent volcanic activity.
Address: Puerto Varas, Los Lagos, Chile, Chile
From $ 161
Calle La Ronda
In downtown Quito, you’ll find the essence of the city along the emblematic street affectionately called Calle La Ronda. Visiting this pedestrian street at the southern end of the Old Town is like taking a walk back in time.
The narrow houses with their balconies and interior courtyards tell the story of Spain’s influence in Ecuador. But the history of Calle La Ronda goes much further back; rumor has it the Incas used this same path beginning in the 1400s. In time, people established houses along the route, and taverns were opened to care for the needs of travelers.
Painters, poets, musicians, writers and other influential people have been drawn to this street, where the colonial architecture, music, art and food sum up the identity of Quito. Although the area went through a period of violence, it has since been restored and is now a safe place to visit, especially popular among locals and tourists on weekends.
Go at night to get the full cultural flavor, when live music spills out of tiny bars and the bohemian atmosphere makes it seem as though the artists and poets that lived on this street in times past have come to life again.
Antique stores and souvenir shops provide a peek into the past as well as the local culture and give visitors a chance to pick up popular Ecuadorian take-homes like Panama hats (which are actually from Ecuador). In addition to the restaurants lining the street, there are also small shops that sell delicious empanadas, chocolate-covered strawberries, canelazos (a typical hot drink made with aguardiente and cinnamon), and other traditional Quito dishes.
Practical Info
Calle Juan de Dios Morales, referred to as Calla La Ronda, is just one block south of the Santo Domingo Plaza. Taxis are often recommended for travel around Quito, but it’s also easy to get to La Ronda from the trolley bus line — just get off at the Santo Domingo stop and walk from there.
Address: Calle Juan de Dios Morales, Quito, Ecuador
From $ 15
Caminito
Few places in Buenos Aires are photographed as frequently as Caminito Street. The main artery of the waterfront La Boca neighborhood is a jumble of old buildings, brightly painted facades, and street-side market stalls, with hawkers, buskers, and tango dancers adding to the atmosphere.
The Basics
Most Buenos Aires city tours stop at Caminito Street, and the buildings make a colorful backdrop for travel photos; look out for statues of Argentine political figures like Eva Perón and Che Guevara, and soccer hero Diego Maradona peeking out from doorways and balconies. Visitors can browse the street market, where stalls sell souvenirs and handicrafts; drink a yerba mate (tea) at one of the terrace cafés; or watch the street tango dancers.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Boca is known as one of Buenos Aires’ less safe neighborhoods; it’s advisable to stick to the main tourist areas and take a taxi if you’re traveling at night.
- Tours of Caminito Street are often combined with other La Boca attractions, such as La Bombonera stadium.
- There are a number of bars, cafés, and restaurants along Caminito Street
- Caminito Street is wheelchair accessible, though it is mostly cobblestoned and uneven in places.
How to Get There
Caminito Street is located in the neighborhood of La Boca, just south of downtown Buenos Aires. There is no subway service to La Boca, but several buses run from downtown, stopping along the waterfront at the eastern end of Caminito. Alternatively, it’s a short taxi ride.
When to Get There
Caminito Street can get busy, especially during peak season. For crowd-free photos, arrive before 11am, as most tour buses arrive in late morning or early afternoon. Due to safety concerns, it’s best to avoid visiting at night.
The History of Caminito
Caminito means “little path.” This pedestrian area was first settled by Italian immigrants, who worked at the neighboring port. Their haphazardly built homes—known as conventillos—were constructed from corrugated metal and wood, and painted in bright colors using leftover paint from the ships. By the 1950s, the street had become popular with artists and tango dancers, and local artist Benito Quinquela Martín transformed many of the buildings with street art.
Address: Caminito, Buenos Aires C1059ABC, Argentina
Admission: Free
From $ 15
Dino Park
Don’t look now, but it seems like dinosaurs are once again roaming the forests of Rincon de la Vieja. Here at the Dino World Dinosaur Park, watch a vicious Tyrannosaurus Rex as it prowls and growls through the rainforest, or stare in wonder at the towering height of a life-sized, long necked Brontosaurus. More than just stationery statues of dinosaurs, the creatures here at the Dino Park are moving, growling, full-sized replicas of dinosaurs that once roamed the continent, and offer a curiously real way to see how dinosaurs looked in the wild. Interestingly enough, Costa Rica was still underwater when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, though now it sports the only park of its kind in Latin America. Over two dozen different species of dinosaurs all lurk in the trees and the jungle, from quick and nimble velociraptors to lumbering three-horned triceratops. There’s also an educational component to all of the different dinosaurs, and guests will learn their diet, habitat, history, and era they lived in. As part of the popular Blue River Resort, the Dino Park also is nearby to spas, hot springs, mud baths, and swimming pools, and is set on the slopes of a lush volcano in the Guanacaste interior.
Practical Info
Food and drink are available at the park, and it’s best to bring bug spray, comfortable shoes, a bathing, sunscreen, and a rain jacket. The Dino Park is 3 miles from the main Blue River Resort, and four-wheel drive is recommended, but not essential for reaching the park. The Blue River Resort is about 90 minutes from the Liberia.
Address: Rincon de la Vieja, Liberia, Costa Rica
Hours: 9am-5pm daily
Admission: $25 for adults and $15 for children
From $ 125
Dique do Tororó (Tororo Dam)
In a city that’s filled with crowds of people, bustling commercial districts and an energy that can be described as nothing short of kinetic, the quiet out-of-the-way sidewalks of Dique do Tororo provide a welcome escape. Located near the south entrance of the stadium that housed the World Cup, Dique de Torro offers travelers city skyline views, easy access to some of Salvador’s most iconic African statues and plenty of historical information about the traditions of West African slaves. Plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars line the perimeter of this man-made lake, making this an ideal spot to grab a cold beer or tuck into a warm plate of traditional Brazilian cuisine. It’s possible to cross the lake by boat and travelers warn that while the place is relatively safe during daylight hours, it’s best to avoid Dique de Tororo at night.
Practical Info
Travelers warn that this scenic destination is also a hotbed for local crime. It’s best for visitors to be mindful of their surroundings and keep personal items out of plain site as much as possible to avoid issues.
Address: Av. Pres. Costa e Silva, Nazaré, Salvador, BA, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 55
Cafayate
The town of Cafayate and the region that surrounds it have earned the nickname “Tuscany of Argentina” for its position as the nation’s second major wine producer after Mendoza. While much of Salta is dominated by arid landscapes, the microclimate surrounding Cafayate is home to some of the planet’s highest altitude vineyards — considered by some to be the most spectacular as well.
While Mendoza is known for its malbec, Cafayate is famous for its Torrontés, a wholly Argentine white grape that produces crisp, dry and citrus-y whites with a distinct floral nose. The bodegas scattered around town all pour this Argentine white, but the area also produces excellent Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet sauvignon.
While it’s safe to say that life in Cafayate revolves around wine, the non-wine drinker will find plenty of appeal as well, whether in the excellent restaurants and artisanías surrounding the central plaza or in the scenic surrounding landscape, dominated by green vineyards backed by arid peaks.
Practical Info
Cafayate can be reached via a 3.5-hour bus ride from Salta, which departs three to four times daily. While it’s possible to see Cafayate on a day trip from Salta, the range of accommodations and variety of activities make it worthwhile to spend a night or two.
Address: Cafayate, Salta, Argentina
Hours: Daily
From $ 43
Calle Jaen Museums
There is a certain amount of irony surrounding the Bolivian street of Calle Jaen. Considered to be the best example of a colonial street in the capital city of La Paz, Calle Jaen two centuries ago served as a home to many of the revolutionaries who would help lead Bolivia out from the shackles of colonialism and onward towards Bolivian independence.
When strolling the narrow, cobble-stoned alley of modern day Calle Jaen, it’s humbling to think that some of the most influential figures in Bolivia’s tortured history once walked the same street and went to bed at night in the same colorful houses which stand here today.
One such revolutionary who once called Calle Jaen home, was Don Pedro Domingo Murillo, the renegade rabble-rouser who was ultimately hung in the square, now bearing his name. His former home is one of the Calle Jaen museums today and visitors are able to walk inside and explore period pieces left over from his days in the capital. Another revolutionary was Apollinar Jaen, the man for whom the street was ultimately named.
Though Jaen doesn’t have his own museum, three other Calle Jaen museums complement the Casa de Don Pedro Domingo Murillo to provide a unique view of Bolivian history and culture. At the Museo de Metales Preciosos Precolombinos (Museum of Precious Precolumbian Metals), various artifacts which date back to the days of the Inca and Aymara show the technology exhibited by peoples occupying these mountains for millennia. Also on Calle Jaen, the Museo de Litoral showcases a wide assortment of artifacts from the Spanish conquest which range from rifles, to maps to paintings of war scenes.
Finally, at the corner of Calle Jaen is the Museo Costumbrista which, as the largest of the four museums, displays a number of paintings and artwork which depict notable events in Bolivia’s history, such as the hanging of Murillo who lived just down the street. Access to all four Calle Jaen museums is available under the same ticket if purchased at Museo Costumbrista, and even though the street is short, there’s a lot to be learned in this narrow La Paz alleyway.
When strolling the narrow, cobble-stoned alley of modern day Calle Jaen, it’s humbling to think that some of the most influential figures in Bolivia’s tortured history once walked the same street and went to bed at night in the same colorful houses which stand here today.
One such revolutionary who once called Calle Jaen home, was Don Pedro Domingo Murillo, the renegade rabble-rouser who was ultimately hung in the square, now bearing his name. His former home is one of the Calle Jaen museums today and visitors are able to walk inside and explore period pieces left over from his days in the capital. Another revolutionary was Apollinar Jaen, the man for whom the street was ultimately named.
Though Jaen doesn’t have his own museum, three other Calle Jaen museums complement the Casa de Don Pedro Domingo Murillo to provide a unique view of Bolivian history and culture. At the Museo de Metales Preciosos Precolombinos (Museum of Precious Precolumbian Metals), various artifacts which date back to the days of the Inca and Aymara show the technology exhibited by peoples occupying these mountains for millennia. Also on Calle Jaen, the Museo de Litoral showcases a wide assortment of artifacts from the Spanish conquest which range from rifles, to maps to paintings of war scenes.
Finally, at the corner of Calle Jaen is the Museo Costumbrista which, as the largest of the four museums, displays a number of paintings and artwork which depict notable events in Bolivia’s history, such as the hanging of Murillo who lived just down the street. Access to all four Calle Jaen museums is available under the same ticket if purchased at Museo Costumbrista, and even though the street is short, there’s a lot to be learned in this narrow La Paz alleyway.
Address: Jaen, La Paz, Bolivia
From $ 90
Canon del Atuel
Wild whitewater-rafting at its best surges along the Canon del Atuel, a gorge stretching from the Nihuil hydroelectric reservoir in Mendoza Province.
Kayakers, windsurfers, jetskiers, river-rafters, cyclists and all kinds of adventurers head to the canyon to take on the rapids and rugged landscapes, carved over the centuries by wind and water.
The river is bordered by steep cliffs, and natural rock sculptures formed by the elements have whimsical names like the Hanging Gardens, Monsters, Toad and Enchanted City.
A huge magnet for visitors, the Atuel region has a great range of hotels, country clubs and outdoor adventure facilities to choose from.
Follow Ruta Provincial 144 to the Nihuil reservoir for expansive valley views, or travel to the neighboring Valle Grande reservoir for more whitewater rafting on the River Atuel.
Kayakers, windsurfers, jetskiers, river-rafters, cyclists and all kinds of adventurers head to the canyon to take on the rapids and rugged landscapes, carved over the centuries by wind and water.
The river is bordered by steep cliffs, and natural rock sculptures formed by the elements have whimsical names like the Hanging Gardens, Monsters, Toad and Enchanted City.
A huge magnet for visitors, the Atuel region has a great range of hotels, country clubs and outdoor adventure facilities to choose from.
Follow Ruta Provincial 144 to the Nihuil reservoir for expansive valley views, or travel to the neighboring Valle Grande reservoir for more whitewater rafting on the River Atuel.
Practical Info
Running for 60km (37 miles), the Atuel Canyon is 40km (25 miles) south of San Rafael, which in turn is 240km (148 miles) from Mendoza in the Valle Grande.
Address: Argentina
From $ 50
Calafate Mountain Park
Perched atop El Calafate’s nearest peak, with access to a vast stretch of snow-blanketed slopes and rugged mountain trails, the Calafate Mountain Park is an obvious choice for outdoors enthusiasts and there is a range of activities on offer. Winter visitors can make the most of the snow by skiing and tubing, or venture into the wilderness on a snowshoeing or snowmobiling excursion, while summer activities include downhill mountain biking and quad biking, along with kayaking and rafting tours around the nearby lakes and rivers.
Even the journey to the Calafate Mountain Park is impressive and riding the chairlift to the 1,050-meter peak of Mt Huyliche serves up jaw dropping views over Argentino Lake and El Calafate below.
Practical Info
The Calafate Mountain Park is located on Mt Huyliche, 15 km south of El Calafate, Patagonia, and can be reached by shuttle bus and cable car from the town. The park is open daily from 10am-4pm all year-round.
Address: El Calafate, Argentina
From $ 150
Diamante Eco Adventure Park
Costa Rica is known for its adventure — zip lining, surfing, horseback riding. Diamante Eco Adventure Park is a great place to partake, with the country’s longest dual ocean view zip line and a host of other activities. At nearly one mile long, the unique zip line allows for two people at once to soar effortlessly above the Costa Rican jungle with expansive views of the ocean.
With more than thirty activities on both land and sea, the eco adventure park has miles of walking and biking trails, a climbing wall, and a hanging bridge. The park is surrounded by tropical rainforest, where exotic birds, monkeys, snakes, and sloths reside and wildlife sightings are not uncommon. There are plenty of ways to explore the nature of the area, whether by ATV or by spending some time in the botanical garden or wildlife rescue center. In the nearby ocean, visitors can experience the warm waters by kayak, stand up paddle board, surfing, or snorkeling.
Practical Info
Diamante Eco Adventure Park is located just southwest of Playa del Coco in Guanacaste. The best way to get there is to head to the RIU Guanacaste/RIU Palace hotels on Playa Matapalo. The park is located beside the hotels. It costs $68 to do the zip line, and $88 for the zip line combined with other activities.
Address: RIU Guanacaste Route, Costa Rica
Hours: Open daily 8:30am-5pm
Admission: No fee for entry, activity costs vary
From $ 42
Calchaqui Valley
The Calchaqui Valley in northwestern Argentina is one of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders—an often overlooked gem replete with picturesque vistas, ancient ruins, friendly locals and good local wine to wash it all down at the end of the day.
Perhaps the most famous attraction in the Calchaqui Valley is Cafayate, an up-and-coming wine region famous for growing Argentina’s native grape, torrontés. Cachi, a small village on Ruta 40, serves as a popular base for exploring the archaeological sites and smaller valleys within the northern portion of the Calchaqui Valley. In the Tucumán segment of the valley, you’ll find the Ruins of Quilmes, the archaeological remains of one of Argentina’s largest pre-Colombian settlements.
Practical Info
The best roads for exploring the Calchaqui Valley are Provincial Route 33 and National Routes 40 and 68.
Address: Calchaqui Valley, Argentina
From $ 36
Caixa d'Aco
This beautiful beach located in Porto Belo in Brazil’s Santa Catarina state, is a favorite destination among both travelers and locals. Private boats and impressive yachts cruise through the open port on their way to sea, and visitors can even hire a charter to explore the bay.
Travelers can wander to the pristine—if rustic—beach on foot and enjoy a quiet taste of paradise, or catch stunning sunsets while kayaking through the placid waters. And the evening firework shows—particularly during high season—are a highlight of any trip to Caixa d’Aco.
Practical Info
Caixa d’Aco is a popular spot during high season and holidays, when crowds of partiers take to the piers. Travelers looking to enjoy the quieter side of the beach should avoid travel during these times.
Address: Paraty, RJ, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 52
Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo)
With 14 cascades tumbling over 260 feet (80 meters) into a cloudy mist as they hit the frothing water below, Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) is easily the star of Iguazu Falls. The tallest of Iguazu’s 275 waterfalls, Devil’s Throat is evenly split across the border of Argentina and Brazil, making it easy to visit no matter your starting point.
The Basics
Many tours visit both sides of Iguazu Falls so you can get the best of both vistas. The Argentinean side of Devil’s Throat offers better hiking options, including a catwalk that gets close enough for you to get soaked with spray, as well as a boat ride that takes you beneath the famous cascades. The Brazilian side boasts postcard-perfect views of the U-shaped falls: Ride an elevator to the top of a viewing platform for the best vista. Those interested in seeing Devil’s Throat from above can catch a helicopter ride on the Brazilian side (the Argentinean side does not support helicopters in the park). For a full-day adventure, look for tours that combine a trip to Devil’s Throat with other activities such as rafting trips and safaris.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Brazilian vistas are open year-round.
- Be sure to wear waterproof clothes, and pack your electronics and valuables in waterproof bags.
- Plan to spend at least two days visiting Devil’s Throat and the rest of the falls, especially if you plan to see both sides.
How to Get There
In Argentina, Iguazu National Park is located 10 miles (17 kilometers) from Puerto Iguazu. Buses run from Puerto Iguazu to the park every half hour during park hours. If you're coming from Buenos Aires, take a 90-minute flight or a 24-hour bus ride. On the Brazilian side, the closest town to Iguassu (Iguaçu) National Park is Foz do Iguaçu. Catch a bus from town to the park for only a few dollars; buses and taxis also run directly from the airport. Foz do Iguaçu is a two-hour flight from Rio de Janeiro.
When to Get There
Devil’s Throat is accessible year-round. For the best weather and the smallest crowds, plan to go between July and October or February and April. The falls are at their most powerful during the rainy season, which can sometimes result in trail closures on the Argentinean side. Morning visits sometimes afford rainbows in the ever-present mist of Devil’s Throat.
Visa Requirements
Be sure to check the visa requirements for your country before crossing the Argentina-Brazil border.
Address: RA 12, KM17 Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
Hours: Open daily 8am - 5pm
Admission: US$23
From $ 32
Canal del Amor
Anyone who is looking to make the most of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos cannot miss an opportunity to see the Canal del Amor, or the Love Channel. The complete natural adventure, Canal del Amor is not considered a visitor site, but has a spectacular turquoise channel bedded in between mountainous rock. At the channel you can also spot shore birds and reef sharks, or if you have the means, have a swim or go snorkeling, and explore its diverse and plentiful aqua-life and flora.
In the same afternoon, from here you will be able to explore the beautiful La Loberia island and of course, Port of Punta Estrada, where you can get to know the sea iguanas.
In the same afternoon, from here you will be able to explore the beautiful La Loberia island and of course, Port of Punta Estrada, where you can get to know the sea iguanas.
Practical Info
The best way to score a tour of the Canal del Amor is to book an
as an inclusive package that visits other sites as well. A multi-day bay and boat tour will give you the greatest chance of most efficiently seeing as much of the majestic
Galapagos as you can during your stay.
Address: Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador
From $ 75
Cajón del Maipo
Cajón del Maipo, a narrow canyon where the Maipo River flows, begins just 16 miles (25 kilometers) southwest of Santiago, but its picturesque scenery, fresh air, and charming mountain towns feel worlds away from Chile’s capital city. Thanks to its close proximity to Santiago, though, Cajón del Maipo is one of the more popular day trip destinations for an easy escape to Chile’s famed wilderness.
The Basics
Hiking, rafting, horseback riding, climbing, cycling, and skiing all rank among Cajón del Maipo’s offerings for outdoor adventure. Most guided tours will include two or three activities, so shop around for which options appeal to you the most. Look for tours that include hiking the rim around the Embalse el Yeso Reservoir, rafting down the Maipo River, taking in views from the San Jose Volcano, or soaking in the Baños Colina hot springs. For a look at local history, visit San José de Maipo, located at the heart of Cajón and the biggest city in the canyon. The colonial town still retains many of its original adobe structures as well as an 18th-century church in the town center’s Plaza de Armas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most Cajón del Maipo tours include round-trip transportation from Santiago.
- Weather changes quickly in the Andes Mountains; be sure to wear comfortable layers and check the forecast before your trip.
- Roadside stalls sell fresh-baked bread, empanadas, and other food items to stave off hunger pangs during a day of exploration.
- Due to the canyon’s popularity, a small-group tour or private tour will help you stand apart from the crowds.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Cajón del Maipo is on a day tour that includes round-trip transportation from Santiago, which allows you to get there hassle-free. Otherwise, catch one of the frequent buses to San José de Maipo from Santiago’s Plaza de Puente Alto metro station, or between Bellavista de La Florida station and Baños Morales on the weekends (or every day during the summer). You can also get a taxi for a higher price.
When to Get There
Santiago residents often escape to Cajón del Maipo on the weekends, so try to plan your trip for a weekday to avoid the city crowds. Rafting season lasts from November through March, while winter sports take over from June to September.
Wine and Sunshine
In addition to its status as a perfect weekend getaway, Cajón del Maipo is also known for its Chilean wines. Look for tours that include stops at wineries or other chances to sample the region’s signature varietals.
Address: Chile
From $ 35
Cafe Tortoni
Buenos Aires enjoys a vibrant cafe culture, but few of the city’s cafes are quite as iconic as Cafe Tortoni. Opened in 1858 by a French immigrant, the cafe soon became a popular haunt of tango singers and literati, most notably the founding members of La Peña. Many of their old photos still adorn the walls.
Much like in the early twentieth century, Cafe Tortoni remains a popular place where locals come to chat over a morning or afternoon coffee. The art nouveau cafe, filled with marble tables and Tiffany lamps, specializes on coffee and pastries, but visitors with a bigger appetite will also find sandwiches, salads and steaks on the menu. Each evening, Cafe Tortoni hosts a live tango show.
Practical Info
Cafe Tortoni is located along Avenida de Mayo, within walking distance of both Plaza de Mayo and the Obelisk. The nearest subway stop is Piedras.
Address: Av. de Mayo 825, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 44
Callao
Located just up the coast from Lima, the seafront town of Callao has been Peru’s most important port since the colonial era and remains the capital’s principal cruise port, receiving thousands of annual visitors. With easy transport links to the center of Lima, most cruise travelers find themselves heading straight into the city, but there are still a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Callao itself.
Explore the imposing Real Felipe Fortress, built during colonial times to protect the shores from pirate invasions and named after King Felipe V of Spain; hit the beach at La Punta; or discover Callao’s rich maritime history with a visit to the Abtao Submarine Museum and the Naval Museum. Callao is also the starting point for cruises to the Pacific islands of Palomino, Cabinzas and El Frontón, renowned for their variety of birdlife and sea lion colonies and a popular day trip from Lima.
Address: Callao, Peru
From $ 10
Cagarras Islands
Five islands make up this remote archipelago that attracts outdoor enthusiasts, water sport adventurists, and nature-lovers alike. At Ilha Cagarra, Ilha de Palmas, Ilha Comprida, Ilha Filhote, and Ilha Grande, visitors will find plenty of birds and marine life surrounding this protected group of islands, including dolphins, boobies, frigate, and seagulls. Steep rock faces and rugged trails offer up the perfect hiking terrain.
The longest island, Ilha Comprida, ranks high among stops on boat tours, since its pristine waters are ripe with tropical fish and known for ideal diving conditions, plus easy access to underwater shipwrecks.
Practical Info
The islands are located about three miles (five km) off of Ipanema Beach. There is no public transportation to the archipelago, so an organized tour from Rio de Janeiro is your best bet.
Address: Southeast Brazil, Brazil
From $ 87
Cahal Pech Maya Site & Museum (Cahal Pech)
Located just a mile from the town center, Cahal Pech is a small but significant archeological reserve that can be visited in a couple of hours. The site, settled around 1,000 BC and abandoned in 800 AD, includes plazas, ball courts, an altar and even a royal burial chamber. It is believed that an elite Mayan ruling family once resided here. There is a comprehensive museum before reaching the site, with detailed information on Cahal Pech, Maya history and way of life.
Address: San Ignacio, Belize
Admission: US$5
From $ 85
Devil's Door (Puerta del Diablo)
Located in Los Planes De Renderos, Puerto del Diablo, or Devil’s Door, is made up of two striking boulders that reach for the sky. Looking between them gives the viewer a panoramic vista over the sights of El Salvador all the way to the Pacific. Devil’s Door is one of El Salvador’s most popular rock-climbing sites, with dozens of established routes for all levels of climbers. For the best views, climb the rock stairs to the top, where you'll rewarded with sights like the red-tiled roofs of the indigenous town of Panchimalco, Lake Ilopango to the left, the double peaks of the San Vicente volcano straight ahead, and beyond it, the Pacific Ocean (if you bring binoculars).
Visitors to Devil’s Door can opt to take a canopy tour, go zip-lining, explore the nearby caves, or even rappel down the cliff’s face. A visit to Devil’s Door is an easy way to escape the city noise of San Salvador for a half day, as it’s only a short bus trip to and from El Salvador’s capital city.
Insider’s Tip: Visit the marketplace below Devil’s Door before you head to the top. Fueling up with freshly made pupusas is a great way to prepare for the ascent.
Practical Info
Devil’s Door is about a 45-minute bus ride from San Salvador’s history city center. The natural attraction has several different routes and offers beautiful views from every direction.
Address: Panchimalco, San Salvador, El Salvador
From $ 49