Choose from 1,039 Fun Things to Do in Central And South America
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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 $ 94
Colonia del Sacramento
The oldest town in Uruguay, this southwestern city on the Rio de la Plata – just a short ferry ride away from Buenos Aires in Argentina -- is famed for its historic quarter, where the jumbled, sprawling streets and mix of architecture represents two centuries’ worth of Spanish, Portuguese and Uruguayan history.
Its strategic location made it a source of longtime struggle between the Portuguese and Spanish, who both sought to control trade of Peruvian silver and Brazilian produce; between 1680 and 1828, Colonia was conquered multiple times by each country’s naval forces. The Portuguese ultimately won control of the town, but it would be only six years before the outbreak of the Brazilian-Argentine Cisplatine War, when battles fought within the historic quarter resulted in widespread damage to the city’s defenses and finest buildings.
By the time reconstruction efforts began, the Uruguayan base of power had shifted to its capital, Montevideo. Historic preservation efforts in Colonia began in earnest in 1924 and continued for the next several decades, and today, a steady stream of ferry-bound tourists from Buenos Aires come to see its well-tended Portuguese basilica, Spanish-Uruguyan history museum and bullring, 17th-century convent ruins and more.
Its strategic location made it a source of longtime struggle between the Portuguese and Spanish, who both sought to control trade of Peruvian silver and Brazilian produce; between 1680 and 1828, Colonia was conquered multiple times by each country’s naval forces. The Portuguese ultimately won control of the town, but it would be only six years before the outbreak of the Brazilian-Argentine Cisplatine War, when battles fought within the historic quarter resulted in widespread damage to the city’s defenses and finest buildings.
By the time reconstruction efforts began, the Uruguayan base of power had shifted to its capital, Montevideo. Historic preservation efforts in Colonia began in earnest in 1924 and continued for the next several decades, and today, a steady stream of ferry-bound tourists from Buenos Aires come to see its well-tended Portuguese basilica, Spanish-Uruguyan history museum and bullring, 17th-century convent ruins and more.
Address: Uruguay
From $ 79
Colon Theatre (Teatro Colón)
With its opulent architecture and fine acoustics, the Colon Theatre (Teatro Colón) ranks alongside Paris’ Opera Garnier and London’s Royal Opera House as one of the world’s most impressive theaters. Reopened after extensive renovations in 2010, the Colon Theatre is the premier venue for opera, ballet, and classical music in Buenos Aires.
The Basics
The regal façade of the Colon Theatre makes a popular photo stop on sightseeing tours of Buenos Aires, but visitors can also admire the lavish interiors on a guided theater tour. Tours take in all the highlights, including the Golden Hall, the Gallery of Busts, and the Main Foyer. Attending a performance at the luxurious, 7-story, 2,500-seat theater is an even more memorable experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an admission fee for visitors without performance tickets to enter the theater; a guided tour is included.
- Tours run daily, every 15 minutes (except during performance times) and last about 50 minutes.
- Tours are offered in multiple languages, including English.
- There is a range of seating options and ticket prices available for performances, but advance booking is always recommended.
- The theater is fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Colon Theatre is on the corner of Cerrito and Tucuman in downtown Buenos Aires. The closest subway (subte) station is Tribunales (Line D).
When to Get There
Head to the Colon Theatre in the evening to watch a performance; the striking building is most magnificent after dark, when it’s dramatically illuminated. Free performances are held monthly, usually on a Saturday or Sunday at 11am.
History of the Colon Theatre
The theater took more than 20 years and three architects to complete, before opening its doors in 1908. It has hosted some of the world’s greatest conductors, opera singers, and ballet dancers. Artists who have appeared include Igor Stravinsky, Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti, and Plácido Domingo. The theater is also famed for its set and costume workshops, as well as the Instituto Superior de Arte, where dancers Julio Bocca and Maximiliano Guerra trained.
Address: Argentina
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Bodega El Tránsito
In the late nineteenth century, an Italian immigrant left his home in Rosciolo and began making wine in Cafayate. Bodega El Tránsito moved to a new location in 1952 but remained in the family. Today the fourth generation of the Nanni family carries on the family’s winemaking heritage.
The boutique winery in the center of town produces Torrontés, Cabernet sauvignon and Malbec, along with several blends. Unlike many wineries in Cafayate, Bodega El Tránsito offers both free tours and tastings. The tour is short — typically around 15 minutes — followed by a chance to sample four different wines.
Practical Info
It’s location near the center of Cafayate makes Bodega El Tránsito a good option for travelers who are without a car or pressed for time.
Address: Belgrano 102, Cafayate, Salta, Argentina 4472, Argentina
From $ 43
Bodega Tierras Altas
Opened in 1999, Bodega Tierras Altas was one of Mendoza's first boutique wineries. Run by the Arizu family with more than a century of experience in winemaking, the winery (bodega) produces malbec, cabernet sauvignon, and malbec rose wines, as well as a range of extra virgin olive oils.
The Basics
Wine lovers can discover the secrets of Argentina's most famous wine during a guided tour at Tierras Altas. Stroll around the vineyards, peek behind the scenes of the winemaking process, and visit the wine cellars. After learning the step-by-step process of wine production, enjoy a guided wine tasting, straight from the barrel.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The legal drinking age in Argentina is 18.
- Advance booking is required for winery tours and tastings, which are conducted in both Spanish and English.
- There is also a winery restaurant that serves lunch and dinner, with wine tastings included.
How to Get There
Bodega Tierras Altas is located 20 minutes south of Mendoza city by road. Biking is a popular way to reach the winery, but the hop-on hop-off Vitivinicola bus also stops right outside.
When to Get There
The winery is open Tuesday through Sunday. Although wine tours are possible year-round, the most pleasant time to explore the vineyards is in spring and summer, from October through March.
Exploring the Mendoza Wine Region
Mendoza is the largest wine region in South America, with three main appellations: Lujan de Cuyo, Valle de Uco, and Maipu Valley, plus more than 1,500 wineries dotting the fertile mountain valleys. The region is most famous for its malbec, which is shipped all around the world, but it's also possible to find excellent cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and syrah, as well as some white wine varieties, such as chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and riesling.
Address: Acceso Sur 6501, Lujan de Cuyo M5505, Argentina
From $ 12
Colchagua Valley
If you’re interested in tasting some of the best wines Chile has to offer, you’ll want to spend some time in the Colchagua Valley. Nearly two dozen area wineries are open to the public in what has become the country’s most prominent wine region, where the dry climate, plentiful sunshine and loamy soil create ideal conditions for producing red—Cabernet Savignon, Carmenere and Merlot for the most part.
The town of Santa Cruz sits at the heart of the region and is the most popular jumping off spot for wine tours in the surrounding valley. Such tours come in a variety of forms, like bike rides through a vineyard or a ride on the Santa Cruz Wine Train.
The valley isn’t just about wine, however. The second symbol of the area is the huaso, or Chilean cowboy, and the culture surrounding them. A great way to enjoy the scenery of the valley is from the saddle of a horse, stopping for lunch in an old-fashioned hacienda.
Practical Info
The Colchagua Valley is located in Chile’s central valley, and the summer months may be the best times to visit. The city of Santa Cruz serves as the area’s hub.
Address: Colchagua Valley, Chile
From $ 276
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 $ 17
Club Hipico
Santiago's Club Hipico (Club Hípico de Santiago) is the most exclusive of Santiago's race tracks. Dating back to 1870, it's the oldest racetrack in country and home to South America's oldest stakes race — the Clásico El Ensayo, making it the best place to see thoroughbred horse racing while in the Chilean capital.
One of the country's three main tracks (the other two are Hipodromo Chile and Valparaiso Sporting Club), Club Hipico is known for its formal gardens, fountains, ponds, and views out to the Andes.
Located just west of Parque O'Higgins, race days are long by international standards, and there are usually around 18 races per card. With an arena that can hold over 30,000 people, live concerts also take place at Club Hipico.
Practical Info
Club Hipico is located on Av. Blanco Encalada 2540, and the nearest metro is Parque O'Higgins. Races are generally held on Mondays and Fridays, and the occasional Sundays, though do check beforehand to be certain.
Address: Avda Blanco Encalada, Región Metropolitana 2540, Chile
Hours: Tour Hours: Mon-Sun 9:30am-6pm
Admission: Tours: Adults 1000, Children Age 6-12 500, Children Under 6 Free
From $ 22
Bodega Domingo Hermanos
Bodega Domingo Hermanos began producing wines in the 1960s, taking advantage of the high-altitude conditions of Salta. Today, the winery has a tank capacity of 1.6 million gallons (6 million
liters). The altitude — about 5,500 feet (1,700 meters) — creates excellent conditions for growing Torrontés grapes, a varietal for which Bodega Domingo Hermanos is famous.
Tours of the production facilities give visitors an insight into a more traditional method of wine making, and the table wines available for purchase at the bodega are among the best in the
region.
Practical Info
Bodega Domingo Hermanos is located at the intersection of Av. Gral. Güemes and 25 de Mayo near the plaza in Cafayate.
Address: Nuestra Sra del Rosario s/n, Cafayate, Salta 4427, Argentina
Hours: Opening hours: Monday-Friday 9am - 12:30pm and 3pm - 7pm; Saturday 9am - 12:30pm and 3pm - 6pm; Sundays and holidays 10:30am - 1pm
From $ 43
Colombian National Museum (Museo Nacional de Colombia)
This massive stone-and-brick structure—built originally as a prison—houses Colombia’s first museum, founded in 1823. The imposing structure is now home to more than 20,000 objects that represent the Colombian experience, displayed in revolving exhibits that fill 17 permanent galleries where there were once only cells.
An excellent exhibit of aesthetically and archaeologically important pre-Colombian artifacts, tells the story of ancient Colombia. But it is the Spanish Colonial collection, featuring everyday objects and impressive works of art, which really dazzles. Oil paintings, beautifully constructed furniture, religious icons and other well-preserved pieces offer insight into a bygone era.
An immense art gallery features the most famous works of Colombian artists past and present, with an emphasis on the experimental and modern. An impressive Afro-Caribbean collection illuminates the culture of Colombia’s coasts. Special exhibitions, musical performances, videos, seminars and other events take place regularly.
Address: Carrera 7 no. 28-66, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Admission: 3,000 pesos
From $ 39
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 $ 165
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 $ 81
Coffee Museum (Museu do Caf e)
At the Santos Coffee Museum visitors experience the world’s favorite caffeinated-beverage through history and of course, taste. The Coffee Museum is housed in what used to be the Coffee Stock Exchange, where Brazilian coffee was weighed and traded before being sent through the Santos Port and overseas.
The Coffee Stock Exchange closed in the 1960s and fell into disrepair, but after decades of restoration efforts, in 2005 the beautiful colonial building re-opened as the Coffee Museum. The building’s architecture is a highlight of a visit to the museum. High ceilings with stained-glass skylights lie above ornately designed marble floors on the Exchange’s main trading room. The museum’s exhibition rooms explain the historical and cultural significance of coffee in Brazil, and worldwide, through photos, paintings, antique coffee-farming tools and more.
Brazil has a strong coffee culture – not only is Brazil the largest coffee producer in the world, but it is also is the second largest consumer of coffee. This is easy to see in every day life throughout the country, where a cafezinho (a little coffee), is customary in the mornings, after meals, and practically any time you want a pick-me-up. After touring the museum, be sure to try a cup of delicious Brazilian-grown coffee in the museum café for yourself!
Practical Info
This Coffee Museum is located at Rua XV de November, 95 in the historic center of Santos. It is open Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is also open on Mondays, November through March. Admission is R$6 for adults and R$3 for children and seniors over 60. Admission is free on Saturday.
Address: Rua XV de November, 95 – Centro Histórico, Santos 11010-151, Brazil
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open on Mondays November – March.
Admission: R$6 for adults, R$3 for children and seniors over 60. Free on Saturdays.
From $ 2
Bodega Renacer
One of Mendoza's most cutting-edge wineries, Bodega Renacer has incorporated new technology into its Argentine winemaking process since 2004. A collaboration between owner Patricio Reich and renowned winemaker Alberto Antonini, the contemporary winery is renowned for its excellent malbecs.
The Basics
Wine enthusiasts can experience the winery on a tour with guided tastings of Renacer's red and white wines. After admiring the site's architecture, visitors then tour the vineyards and wine cellars to discover how science and tradition meet to create some of Argentina's most interesting new wines. The unique tour even includes a virtual reality winemaking experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The legal drinking age in Argentina is 18.
- Advance booking is required for winery tours and tastings, which are conducted in both Spanish and English.
- The winery features a restaurant that serves seasonal cuisine from the region paired with Renacer wines.
How to Get There
Bodega Renacer is located about a 30-minute drive south of Mendoza city in the Perdriel region. Biking is a popular way to reach the winery, but the hop-on hop-off Vitivinicola bus also stops outside.
When to Get There
The winery is open daily. Although wine tours are possible year-round, the most pleasant time to explore the vineyards is in spring and summer, from October through March.
Exploring the Perdriel Wine Region
Perdriel, a Lujan de Cuyo subregion, is known for its terroir, which is credited with producing some of Mendoza's top malbecs. The area features some of Mendoza's oldest vines, and its slightly higher altitude and proximity to the Mendoza River offer a moderately cooler climate that produces soils ideal for growing malbec and cabernet sauvignon grapes. Made in one of few regions that still carries the Controlled Designation of Origin mark, Perdriel wines are known to be top quality.
Address: Brandsen 1863, Lujan de Cuyo 5509, Argentina
From $ 10
Bogotá Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno)
Bogota’s Museum of Modern Art, affectionately referred to as MAMBO, offers an entirely different experience than the capital’s other museums. The sleek building, designed by Colombian architectural icon Rogelio Salmona in the 1980s offers four floors of clean-cut galleries hung with outstanding 20th-century art.
While the museum focuses on the Colombian masters of the last 40 years, a world-class permanent collection includes famous pieces from international figures such as Dali, Picasso, Otero and Andy Warhol, represented here with his famous “Marilyn” silkscreens. Modern design and photography are also well documented in this most thought-provoking of museums.
Temporary exhibitions, artsy films, workshops and other activities are almost always on offer; check their official website (Spanish only) to see what’s on when you’re in town.
Address: Calle 26, Bogotá D.C., Cundinamarca, Colombia
Hours: Tues-Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun: 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults 3,500 pesos (<$2 USD), Children and Seniors 2,000 (<$1 USD)
From $ 50
Cocora Valley
Long the go-to postcard image of rural Colombia, the Cocora Valley is an enchanting spot, characterized by its lush rolling hills, mist-capped mountains and tall, slender palm trees. Smuggled away in the foothills of the mighty Andes and at the heart of the UNESCO-listed coffee region, the serene valley makes a worthy detour from nearby Salento, if only to admire the startling views.
The best way to explore the Cocora Valley is by hiking or horseback riding and a marked circular trail runs around the valley, affording magnificent views along the way. Hiking the entire loop takes around 5-6 hours and it’s an adventurous route, passing muddy streams, rope bridges and rocky trails, with some steep sections. Along the way, lookout points offer great views of the valley’s iconic ‘Palmas de Cera’ trees – the world’s highest wax palms that grow up to 60-meters in height – while the hilltop cloud forests harbor a huge variety of tropical birds and butterflies.
Practical Info
The Cocora Valley is located in the Andes Mountains of Quindío province; around 30 minutes drive from Salento.
Address: Quindío, Colombia
From $ 147
City Museum of Quito (Museo de la Ciudad)
Housed in the former San Juan de Dias Hospital (a stunning sixteenth century building and UNESCO World Heritage site), the City Museum of Quito (Museo de la Ciudad) tells the story of the city from its beginnings as an indigenous trading post through the rise of an Incan capital and the arrival of the conquistadors through to the nineteenth century. This history is laid out through a series of dioramas and models of traditional indigenous and colonial homes.
Another permanent exhibit highlights the history of the hospital, with a number of personal possessions of one of the hospital’s doctors on display. Signs throughout tell of how the various rooms were originally used. Getting to see the building itself is well worth the entrance fee.
Practical Info
Admission includes a free guided tour in Spanish. English tours are available for an extra fee.
Address: Garcia Moreno 572 y Rocafuerte, Quito, Ecuador
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 9:30am-5:30pm
Admission: Adults: $3; Children: $1
From $ 46
Colca Canyon (Canon del Colca)
Plunging 13,650 feet (4,160 meters) down, Peru’s Colca Canyon is officially one of the world’s deepest canyons—with a breadth of activities to match. Visitors opt to visit this off-the-beaten-track attraction for its opportunities for adventure in a stunning natural environment, its large population of Andean condors, and its pre-Inca historical sites.
The Basics
Most Colca Canyon tours start in Arequipa, which doubles as a basecamp for 3-day treks through the Andes Mountains (be sure to go with a guide for safety reasons) and for overnight horseback riding or bus tours to the canyon. Upon arrival at the Andean valley, a plethora of options for tours and outdoor activities await: Hike to overlooks such as La Cruz del Condor, bike through the Colca Valley, or kayak or raft down the Colca River.
No matter what sights and activities you choose, guided tours are generally the easiest and most convenient way to travel, as most provide round-trip transportation from Arequipa. But if you’re seeking an independent sightseeing experience, you can book a bus transfer from Arequipa with stops at scenic viewpoints and attractions along the way.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Multi-day Colca Canyon tours often include visits to nearby attractions in the Arequipa region, such as Puno on Lake Titicaca or the Pampa Canahuas Reserve, famous for its wild vicunas.
- Day trips from Arequipa to the canyon can last up to 14 hours.
- Stave off altitude sickness by allowing yourself a couple days to acclimate in Arequipa before attempting any activities.
How to Get There
The closest city to Colca Canyon is Arequipa, roughly 100 miles (161 kilometers) southeast. From there you can book a bus or shuttle directly to the canyon, or take public transportation to Chivay or Cabanaconde on either end of the canyon. Chivay is the more popular choice, as it is home to relaxing hot springs. If you have the time and energy, you can make the 3-day hike. You can also reach the canyon via Cusco, though it is a longer journey.
When to Get There
May through September is the driest time of the year in Peru, and therefore it’s the best for hiking and other outdoor activities. December through February is the low season, which promises fewer crowds.
History and Andean Condors in Colca Canyon
Historical attractions—such as pre-Hispanic settlements, the pre-Inca Chimpa fortress, and the caves of Mollepunko above Callalli, where 6,000-year-old rock art shows the domestication of the alpaca—are plentiful in the canyon. Andean Condors are another draw as some of the world’s largest flying birds, with bodies up to four feet (1.2 meters) tall and wingspans of up to 10.5 feet (3.2 meters). Because of their size, they live in windy areas that can help them get off the ground.
Address: Arequipa, Peru
From $ 35
Bodegas Salentein
The Bodegas Salentein, located in Mendoza’s Valle del Uco (Uco Valley) has the largest “cool climate estate” in Mendoza. The estate covers almost five thousand acres, over 1,000 of which are planted with grapes in three different plantations, ranging in altitude from 3,000 to about 5,500 feet. They plant 80 percent red and 20 percent white grapes, and are well-known for their malbec, merlot, chardonnay and pinot noir wines.
In addition to wine tours through the cellars with more than 5,000 barrels, and tastings, the winery also has a restaurant and wine bar serving Argentine food beside their award-winning wines. There is also an exhibition space called Killka which houses paintings by Argentine and Dutch masters. Finally, there is a chapel on the grounds, inspired by Andean architecture, with earthen walls, which features lead and granite sculpture and benches carved from old olive trees. The chapel is shaded by carob trees.
Practical Info
Make a day of it by taking a tour that includes architecture, art and wine, or even add a horseback riding tour at the Salentein winery.
Address: Ruta 89 s/n, Km 14, Valle de Uco, Mendoza 5560, Argentina
From $ 22
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 $ 495