Choose from 1,039 Fun Things to Do in Central And South America
ShowingFilter 41-60 of 1039 listings.
Ana Kai Tangata
An eerie cavern burrowing into the sea cliffs, Ana Kai Tangata is almost entirely hidden from view, camouflaged by the rocky coastline and lapping waves. Step inside the cave and you’ll soon realize why the spot is so renowned—the looming arches of black-rock are etched with an elaborate series of bird drawings, painted with a blend of natural earth and animal fats.
Thought to have been used by the island’s earliest settlers, the cave’s history remains a subject of speculation among archaeologists, but the name, which translates to the ambiguous "man eat cave," and the paintings, lend themselves to a number of theories. Most notable is the subject matter of the paintings—the manutaras, or black terns, depicted were also the focal point of Orongo’s annual Birdman ceremony, which took place during the autumn equinox and pitted Rapa Nui hopus (chiefs) against each other in a competition to retrieve a sacred manutara egg.
Practical Info
Ana Kai Tangata lies on the northwest coast of Easter Island, just a few kilometers south of Hanga Roa. The entrance fee to the Rapa Nui National Park is $60 for all non-Chileans (payable on arrival to the island) and includes entrance to Ana Kai Tangata.
Address: Chile
Admission: Rapa Nui Park: $60 for non-Chileans
From $ 200
Bosque de Arrayanes
Los Arrayanes National Park was established in 1971 to protect the rare arrayán trees (Chilean myrtle trees) that grow in the area. Up until that time, the forest was part of the Nahuel Huapi National Park. In order to protect the soil and roots of these fragile, slow-growing trees, a wooden path runs throughout the park for tourists to wander through without causing harm. The arrayan trees have and irregular white spots on their narrows trunks, as well as cinnamon-colored bark that is cool to the touch and peels off as the tree grows. These evergreen trees bloom white in the summer (January and February) and produce an edible, blue-black fruit in early autumn. Some are up to 650 years old.
The national park covers an area of about 4,332 acres on the Quetrihué Peninsula along the northern shores of the Nahuel Huapi Lake and is easily accessible from Villa La Angostura. Travelers can explore the park on foot, by horse or on bike. Many animals and birds live in the forest, including pudú and huemul deer, guanacos, monitos de monte, small foxes, condors, eagles, hawks and woodpeckers.
Practical Info:
The closest town to Los Arrayanes National Park is Villa la Angostura, 51 miles north of Bariloche. The park is accessible via a seven-mile-long pathway, or from Nahuel Huapi Lake.
Address: Argentina
From $ 69
Angra Dos Reis
With miles of white sand beaches, aquamarine waters and a backdrop of forested mountains, Angra dos Reis, or the Bay of Kings, is as impressive as its name suggests and known as one of the top attractions of Brazil’s famous Costa Verde (Green Coast). The main draw of Angra dos Reis is its serene coastline, and with 365 islands dotting the bay, there are many beaches to explore. Cruising around the islands is a popular pastime for visitors, and the warm, clear waters offer ample opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. Ilha Grande is the largest and most visited island, but additional highlights include the fish-filled waters around the Botinas islands, the lush rainforest trails on Gipóia and the floating bars around Jurubaíba Beach and Praia do Dentista.
Practical Info
Angra dos Reis is located on Brazil’s Costa Verde (Green Coast), about 100 miles (160 kilometers) from Rio de Janeiro. Regular buses run from Rio to Angra dos Reis (2.5 hours), and passenger ferries connect the mainland to Ilha Grande (1.5 hours).
Address: Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hours: Daily
From $ 54
Amazon Rainforest
Trying to fathom the Amazon’s size is a lesson in mental futility. You can read all the Amazon stats that you want—like the fact that the Amazon has more acres of land than China or India have people, or that 20% of the world’s oxygen is produced from the Amazon’s trees—but until you float down the Rio Negro and stare at the sea of green, or look out the window on a flight to Manaus at the endless landscape of trees, stats and figures about the mighty Amazon are only numbers on a page.
That all changes when you first catch sight of the Amazon’s muddy waters and realize how much of this liquid snake there really is to see. There are forests that teem with native wildlife and canopies alive in birdsong, and remote areas where indigenous tribes have yet to even be found. Granted, nearly all recreational visitors to the Amazon will stay pretty close to Manaus, where the chance of seeing jaguars and lost tribes is admittedly pretty slim. Nevertheless, there’s still a raw, quasi-developed sense of touristic infancy, where visitors can feel the indigenous influence simply by walking around town. Take a guided trek into the fringes of a forest that squawks and rustles with life, or board the deck of a river cruise to watch the waters of the Rio Negro converge with the muddy brown Amazon. If staying in Manaus, return at night to a comfortable city with hints of European splendor—knowing that despite the immediate comforts, hundreds of miles of untamed jungle surround you on every side.
Practical Info
Manaus is approximately 4 hours by plane from Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo, or a five day cruise up the Amazon River from the port of Belém on the coast.
Address: Manaus, Brazil
From $ 89
Angel Falls
Venezuela's Angel Falls isn't just any waterfall—it's the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall. For scale, imagine Niagara Falls...now multiply that by 15. Angel Falls measures 3,212 feet (979 meters), with the longest single plunge coming in at a lengthy 2,648 feet (807 meters). Set in Venezuela's Guayana Highlands, the massive natural wonder drops over the edge of Auyantepui mountain in the Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The mountain's mesa (called a Tepui by the natives) is one of more than 100 of its kind in the highlands. The massive table mountains are formed from sandstone and are being continually eroded and changed by the area’s heavy rainfall.
The falls weren’t actually named for any celestial messengers but for a James ('Jimmie') Crawford Angel, an adventurous pilot from Missouri who saw the waterfall while searching for gold in 1933. A few years later, he tried to land his plane there and failed, making an 11-day trek to civilization and drawing plenty of scientific and tourism interest to the region in the aftermath of his adventure.
Practical Info
Canaima National Park is located in southeastern Venezuela, south of the Orinoco River. The park is made up of 7.5 million acres (3 million hectares), making it the second largest protected area in Venezuela (and the sixth largest in the world).
Address: Gran Sabana, Venezuela
From $ 1,115
Andes Mountains
The Andes Mountains, which form Argentina’s backbone, are to the far west of the country, and separate this nation from bordering Chile. They extend most of the length of South America (some 4,300 miles), stretching down from Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and finally, Argentina. At their widest, the Andes are about 430 miles wide and measure an average of 13,000 feet high, which means they are visible from many miles away.
Most visitors to Argentina’s closest connection with the Andes will be from near Mendoza, one of the main wine-growing regions in the country, with its popular Malbec (red) wine. Mendoza is just east of the Andes, and from here, it is possible to visit a lookout point with a good view of Aconcagua, the tallest mountain on the continent, as a day trip. The 22,841 foot mountain is a favorite among mountain climbers, but it an intensive trip that requires planning, training and high-mountain gear. Most visitors will content themselves with seeing, rather than climbing the Andes.
Practical Info
Though parts of the Andes may look barren, there is often abundant wildlife, including guanacos, slim-necked relatives of the llama, and it is fairly common to see Andean condors, with a wingspan measuring as much as 10.5 feet in width, coasting on thermal updrafts.
Address: Argentina
From $ 156
Constitution Plaza
Located in the Centro Historico (Zona 1) district of Guatemala City, the Plaza de la Constitución, or Constitution Plaza, is considered the best place to kick off a tour of Guatemala City.
A number of important sites are located around and the Parque Central, as locals refer to it, which follows the standard colonial urban-planning scheme found in the New World. The plaza's concrete “park” is always bustling with activity, especially on public holidays and Sundays. Constitution Plaza is also surrounded by important structures like the National Plaza of Culture, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the underground Central Market, the Portal of Commerce and Centenarian Park. The National Library and Periodicals Library and General Archive of Central America are found here too.
Near the Parque Central is the pedestrian-only area of Paseo Sexta Avenida (Sixth Avenue Passage), a beloved shopping and entertainment area that is a great introduction to Guatemalan culture and habits.
Practical Info
Constitution Plaza is located in Zone 1 between Sixth and Seventh avenues. It is recommended you take a shuttle, taxi or hotel transportation to the area. As with any destination, be cautious of your belongings, as thefts against tourists are common in Guatemala City.
Address: 14 Calle 9-30 zona 1, Guatemala City 01001, Guatemala
From $ 34
Anakena Beach
With its stretch of white sand fringed with Tahitian coconut palms, a backdrop of grassy hills and ocean waters that rarely dip below 64 degrees F (18 degrees C) even in the winter months, few places come as close to paradise as Anakena Beach. One of only three beaches on Easter Island, Anakena also plays an important part in the history of the island. It was here that King Ariki Hotu Matu’a first landed on Easter Island and later, the beach became a spiritual center for the Miru tribe–the remnants of which can be seen in the seven beautifully restored moai of Ahu Nau Nau and the single moai of Ahu Ature Huki that overlook the beach.
Aside from its striking setting and dramatically situated moai, the main draw to Anakena Beach is, of course, the ocean and the warm, clear waters make the ideal spot for swimming, surfing and snorkeling.
Practical Info
Anakena Beach is located along the northern coast of Easter Island, about 11 miles (18 km) from Hanga Roa.
Address: Easter Island, Chile
Admission: Rapa Nui Park: $60 for non-Chileans
From $ 115
Botafogo Bay
There was once a time when Botafogo Bay was the fortuitously placed conduit between downtown Rio and the glamorous southern beaches. Put another way, if travelers came to Botafogo it was solely as a break while traveling between two of Rio’s most popular zones. Today, however, with a recent infusion of shops, restaurants, infrastructure, and cafés, Botafogo has become a neighborhood that’s a Rio site in itself. By day, visit the colonial mansions where Portuguese royalty ruled from afar, and stroll the shores of Botafogo Bay while sailboats bob with the tide. As night falls on the middle class suburb, head to one of the trendy new restaurants popping up around town, where cheaper rents than Ipanema allow the chefs to spend more money on fresh, local ingredients. Finally, for one of the best views in all of Rio, take a taxi to Pasmado Overlook where a panoramic view looking down on the city is the type of scene you’d expect to see on the front of a Rio postcard. Take it in, breathe real deep, and enjoy the accessible, affordable streets of Botafogo Bay.
Practical Info
Botafogo Bay is located 15 minutes from the historic downtown and 15 minutes from southern beaches like famous Copacabana.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 32
Amazon River
The mighty Amazon River and its enormous, thickly forested basin are the heart of South America and the guardian of 20 percent of the Earth’s fresh water. Visitors from around the globe come to Iquitos to cruise the river’s storied waters and catch a glimpse of diverse fauna both above and below the surface.
The Basics
While there are several ways to experience the Amazon and its unparalleled biodiversity, most travelers opt for a boat trip along the basin’s famous river. Cruises generally last three to four days and run through the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, offering the chance to explore on guided walks through the rain forest, take motorboat tours of the tributaries, go piranha fishing, or simply enjoy the scenery from the deck of your cruise ship. Those who prefer to spend more time on dry land can opt for a multi-day jungle adventure, which may include a short boat trip on the Amazon as well as jungle treks, night walks, and the opportunity to spot wild pink river dolphins.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Amazon River is a must-see for adventure travelers and nature lovers.
- Remember to bring insect repellent to protect yourself against mosquitos.
- It’s a good idea to pack comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and lightweight clothing such as quick-drying pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- Drink plenty of water; it’s always hot and muggy in the Amazon jungle.
How to Get There
Most Amazon River cruises and excursions in Peru depart from the town of Iquitos. The port city is only reachable by plane or by boat, with numerous flights daily from Lima.
When to Get There
With only a 10 percent difference in rainfall between the Amazon basin’s wet and dry season, there isn’t really a bad time to visit. Temperatures are generally cooler during the high-water season (November to May). December, June, and August tend to see the most visitors.
Photographing Wildlife on the Amazon
The Peruvian Amazon ranks among the best places on the planet to capture photos of animal species such as monkeys, birds, iguanas, pink dolphins, and even the occasional jaguar. To maximize your chances of getting great shots, bring along a DSLR camera with a long lens of at least 300 millimeters and as low an f-stop as you can afford. Don’t forget extra batteries and SD cards.
Address: Iquitos, Peru
From $ 215
Andeluna Cellars
The name Andeluna comes from a combination of the words Andes, in the foothills of which these grapes are grown, and luna (moon), which the winemakers say impart magic and inspiration to their winemaking. Andeluna harvests Argentine grapes from vineyards originally planted 125 years ago by early Italian immigrants. These are brought to a 48,000 square foot winemaking facility for the de-stemming, crush and fermentation. Andeluna was started in 2003 under the tutelage of one Argentine and one American investor, H. Ward Lay, of the Lays potato chip fortune.
The winery is located in Tupungato, Argentina, near Mendoza, and here they grow Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc, all at altitude, in this case at up to 4300 feet above sea level. The winery features classic architecture with views of the Andes Mountains, over some of the area’s prime grape vines. There is a bar, tasting room, reserve tastings in the wine cellar where they also store 1,200 barrels of wine, and a kitchen and dining room for gourmet lunches.
Practical Info
While Andeluna grows some of the same varietals as nearby wineries, and makes two different kinds of Malbec, they also make a more European-styled wine, the exclusive Grand Reserve Pasionado, made in a Bordeaux style. They also conduct tastings in four different areas of the winery, depending on visitors’ preference.
Address: Ruta Provincial 89 s/n. km 11 Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina
From $ 22
Contadora Island
A lush, volcanic archipelago lies just south of the capital, named for its iridescent undersea wealth: The Pearl Islands. Conquered by the Spanish in 1513, the 227 palm-fringed isles, famed for their postcard-perfect white beaches and clear aquamarine waters, once reported to gorgeous Isla Contadora, opulent seat of the Spanish pearl industry and closest major island to the capital.
Today, the old mansions of the "Counting Island" are owned by the international glitterati, who come to enjoy upscale dining and shopping options; snorkeling, diving, and kayaking off a dozen gorgeous beaches (including Panama's only clothing-optional playa); and hiking into the orchid-strewn highlands. Its easy access to the mainland and archipelago make it a great base for exploring paradise.
Today, the old mansions of the "Counting Island" are owned by the international glitterati, who come to enjoy upscale dining and shopping options; snorkeling, diving, and kayaking off a dozen gorgeous beaches (including Panama's only clothing-optional playa); and hiking into the orchid-strewn highlands. Its easy access to the mainland and archipelago make it a great base for exploring paradise.
Practical Info
The island of Contadora is located at the accessible northern tip of the
Pearl Islands, close to the capital. While it's certainly possible to
book a boat, it's cheaper and easier to go by plane; several flights
leave Panama City daily.
Contadora is a good base for exploring other area islands by ferry or private boat.
Contadora is a good base for exploring other area islands by ferry or private boat.
Address: Pacific Ocean, 50 miles (80km) southeast of Panama City, Panama
From $ 60
Amador Causeway
Palm-lined Amador Causeway is famed for the fantastic views of Panama's skyscraping downtown, a yacht-strewn panorama across the Panama Bay to the graceful steel span of the Bridge of the Americas at the entrance of the canal. Scenic running paths follow the water, paved with stones used in the Canal's construction, along a causeway that stretches almost 3km (2mi) into the Pacific, connecting the city to three small islands: Noas, Perico and Flamenco.
Visitors from around the city and world come to here to play, plied by upscale shopping centers and local vendors displaying their wares to crowds strolling the causeway. It's also the city's hippest nightlife district, home to elegant bars, casual clubs and other entertainment venues.
Visitors from around the city and world come to here to play, plied by upscale shopping centers and local vendors displaying their wares to crowds strolling the causeway. It's also the city's hippest nightlife district, home to elegant bars, casual clubs and other entertainment venues.
Practical Info
Wear a hat and sunscreen to best enjoy mostly shadeless Amador Malecón, with its magnificent views, fresh sea breezes, and festive attractions. Weekends get crowded.
Note that several local businesses, including taxis, inflate prices to take advantage of the cruise-ship set; be aware of inflated prices and avoid them.
Note that several local businesses, including taxis, inflate prices to take advantage of the cruise-ship set; be aware of inflated prices and avoid them.
Address: Avenida Amador, Panamá City, Panama
Hours: Open daily
From $ 39
Ancon Hill
Visible from nearly anywhere in Panama City, Ancon Hill stands proudly above everything else in an otherwise flat region, with its immense flag flying high. At 199 meters above sea level, it’s the highest point within the city, and from the top you can see all the main points of interest. It’s possible to see not only the modern part of Panama City, but also the Panama Canal, the Amador Causeway, the Bridge of the Americas and Old City.
In the middle of this bustling city, Ancon Hill serves as a little natural paradise. The forest has plenty of animals—sloths, armadillos, toucan and deer—and a slow walk up the hill provides the chance to see many of them. Once at the top, spend time watching the ships pass through the canal. It’s a pleasant walk from Mi Pueblito, and serious bikers take the challenge of riding up the hill. Go early to beat the heat, and don’t forget your camera!
There’s also history wrapped up here. The name Ancon was used for the first boat that officially crossed the Panama Canal in 1914, and although it was under the jurisdiction of the United States during part of the 20th century, Panama took control in 1977.
Practical Info
Ancon Hill is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is accessible via taxi from the city or by foot or bike. There is no charge to visit.
Address: Ancon Hill, Balboa, Panama City, Panama
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From $ 65
Community Baboon Sanctuary
The Community Baboon Sanctuary is dedicated to protecting and preserving Belize's black howler monkey population. The 18-square-mile (29-square-kilometer) reserve in the jungle contains about 1,500 monkeys, as well as anteaters, armadillos, iguanas, turtles, deer, and more than 200 different species of birds.
The Basics
Sanctuary visitors, including tour groups and independent travelers, are given tours where guides identify the wildlife and vegetation, and explain the local culture. The on-site visitors' center and natural history museum also provide information about the environment, conservation efforts, and the monkeys themselves. Visitors can follow trails through the forest or take canoe rides on the river to spot black howler monkeys (locally called baboons) and other animals.
Things to Know Before You Go
The entrance fee includes a guided nature walk; most third-party tours cover the fee.
The sanctuary recommends bringing water, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Several tour options are offered, including a night hike, bird tour, and a river canoe tour.
How to Get There
The Community Baboon Sanctuary is located off Boom-Hattieville Road, about 17 miles (27 kilometers) from the village of Hattieville. There are two major buses serving the Belize River Valley area: the McFadzean and Sons Bus leaves from Amara Avenue in Belize City, and the Russells Bus leaves from Euphrates Avenue. Many ours from Belize City include round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
The sanctuary is open Monday to Sunday, from 8am to 5pm. The best time to visit Belize is between late November and mid-April, during the country’s dry season. This is also peak season, so expect to encounter more tourists while enjoying the most pleasant weather.
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
The nearby Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best bird-watching spots in Central America. It’s home to native and migratory birds, as well as the elusive Jabiru stork. The sanctuary’s wetlands are filled with a diverse mix of plants and animals that you can discover by boat or on foot.
Address: Belize
From $ 62
Amantani Island (Isla Amantani)
For those wishing to avoid heavily touristed Taquile Island, but still enjoy a smoothly operating system of homestays and a taste of traditional lake lifestyle, Isla Amantani is the perfect option. The 26- mile (38-km), four-hour trip and dearth of infrastructure (electricity, running water, automobiles) has kept the island of some 3,600 Quechua-speaking people somewhat isolated from Titicaca’s tourist industry.
Amantani has been communally owned since shortly after Peru’s independence from Spain, after which the indigenous residents—used as poorly paid labor by landlords of European descent—took a page from their oppressors’ own handbook and staged a revolution of their own. Ever since, the island has been run as something of a commune, a tradition that extends to today’s tourism.
Upon arrival, visitors are assigned to a family and its small adobe home; some are much nicer than others. Toilets look modern, but don’t flush; you’ll use buckets of water provided. Your host family also provides simple meals, made with locally available foodstuffs such as potatoes, quinoa, eggs and perhaps lake trout. Some guidebooks recommend bringing fruit, cooking oil, rice or sugar—all difficult-to-obtain delicacies in this isolated spot—as gifts.
Your family can also arrange guided hikes, perhaps even in English, around the scenic island. There are two mountains, Pachatata (Father Earth) and Pachamama (Mother Earth), terraced with beautiful farms, which you can climb—slowly, remember your altitude. Pre-Columbian temples top both peaks and are still used on traditional feast days.
As on Taquile, Amanti islanders knit and weave the region’s renowned textiles, which are offered for sale around the island. Host families will typically dress visitors in traditional clothing for a nightly dance, accompanied by a local band.
Address: Puno, Peru
From $ 73
Concon
Travelers in search of picturesque beaches, iconic balnearios and extraordinary nightlife will find the ultimate tropical trifecta in the coastal commune of Concon. Home to three of the nation’s top beaches—Playa Negra, Amarilla and Boca, Concon has plenty of options for holiday visitors on a quest for sun and sand.
In addition to idyllic views of the Pacific, travelers will find towering modern buildings alongside old-school concrete apartments lining the streets of Concon. Expansive public gardens, rundown fishing docks and quiet local villages add character and charm to this popular destination. Visitors looking to dance the night away—even long after the sun goes down—can head to Avenida Renaca and Los Pellines—two of the commune’s most lively neighborhoods.
Practical Info
Concon is located on the Pacific coast of Chile, north of Tenaca, Vina del Mar and south of Quintero. The Aconcagua River ends near the commune as well.
Address: Concon, Chile
From $ 230
Angelmo
Located at the west end of Puerto Montt, the small fishing port of Angelmo got its name — according to local legend — from the mispronunciation by indigenous locals of the name of a local doctor, Angel Montt, when the town was first getting established.
Avenida Angelmo leads toward the port, lined with seafood restaurants and crammed with vendors selling handicrafts and souvenirs. Popular items include knickknacks made from the Alerce tree, a species native to Chile’s Lake District, as well as bottles of Licor de Oro. A fish market right on the banks of the bay sells the fresh catches brought in from local fishing boats, and restaurants — some built on stilts over the water — serve some of the best quality seafood in the area.
Practical Info
Angelmo is located just under 2 miles (3 kilometers) west of downtown Puerto Montt. The walk takes about 30 minutes.
Address: Av Angelmó, Puerto Montt, Los Lagos, Chile, Chile
From $ 27
Conceicao Lagoon (Lagoa da Conceicao)
One of Florianopolis’ coolest towns is located just over the hill from the downtown area. Conceicao Lagoon (Lagoa da Conceição) is the Island of Magic’s hip district, and boasts a collection of trendy bars and restaurants nestled around the large lagoon. The area is also known for its jungle trekking, sand dunes, and many nearby beaches.
The Basics
Lagoa da Conceição is centered right in the middle of the island of Florianopolis, making it a strategic area for locals and travelers to gather. There are also a number of outdoor activities in the lagoon and nearby beaches. Drive along Avenida das Rendeiras, on the edge of the lagoon, to find stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals as well as windsurfing and kitesurfing schools. Head toward Praia da Joaquina and Praia Mole for some of the best surfing on the island as well as surfing schools and rental shops.
Many tours to explore the island’s beaches—Mozambique, Canasvieiras, Jurerê, and Ingleses in the north, or Campeche, Pântano do Sul, Armação, and Matadeiro in the south—leave from the lagoon. Day tours of the island typically pass through Conceicao Lagoon to highlight one of the city’s most popular areas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lagoa da Conceição is a great area to visit for those who like outdoor activities such as hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, sandboarding, windsurfing, and surfing.
- Check the weather and wind conditions in advance to see which beaches in the area are best to visit on that given day.
- Be aware of your surroundings during the evening hours, especially during the summer months when the area is quite crowded.
How to Get There
Public transportation is quite limited on the island, but you can take the Trans-Sol bus from the downtown area of Florianopolis to the TILAG bus terminal in Lagoa da Conceição. If you have a rental car, drive over Lagoon Hill to reach the neighborhood’s center. For a convenient, hassle-free way to reach the lagoon, taxis are also readily available on the island.
When to Get There
Lagoa da Conceição is one of the island’s best places to catch a sunset, either on the lagoon or one of the nearby beaches, such as Joaquina. Try to arrive at the lagoon outside of rush hour (8am to 10am and 5pm to 8pm) to avoid getting stuck in traffic. The island triples in population during the summer, so skip December, January, and February, if possible.
A Night on the Town
For those looking for a relaxing night out, Lagoa da Conceição is the place to be. Grab a bite to eat at one of the numerous restaurants in the area dishing up everything from sushi to Brazilian barbecue to food-truck meals. Quench your thirst at any number of bars or botecos while listening to music ranging from sarantejo (Brazilian country music) to international hits.
Address: Florianopolis, Brazil
From $ 29
Concha y Toro Winery
Open since 1883 and ranking among South America’s largest wine producers, Concha y Toro Winery is one of Chile’s most famous winemakers. The winery has vineyards all over the country and produces a huge variety of wines, including the world-renowned Don Melchor cabernet sauvignon. Its Pirque winery is a favorite Maipo Valley destination for oenophiles.
The Basics
In addition to its award-winning cabernet sauvignon, Concha y Toro is well known for its other reds—syrah, merlot, malbec, pinot noir—as well as chardonnay and rosé wines. Guided tours of the winery allow wine lovers to stroll through the vineyards and Grape Variety Garden, visit the wine cellars, and enjoy an expert-led wine tasting. Wines are paired with cheeses and tapas at the on-site wine bar, and the well-stocked shop has wines at all price points.
Most visitors arrive from Santiago, and many day trips combine a visit to Concha y Toro with a drive through the Maipo Valley vineyards, a stop at the El Yeso Lagoon, or wine tasting at other regional wineries such as Undurraga, Santa Rita, or Cousiño Macul.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The legal drinking age in Chile is 18. Children can also join the winery tours, without taking part in the wine tasting.
- Concha y Toro winery tours take around an hour, including wine tasting.
- Advance booking is required for winery tours and tastings, and tours are conducted in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.
- The winery and parts of the vineyards are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Concha y Toro winery is located in Chile’s Maipo Valley, close to the village of Pirque, about a 45-minute drive south of Santiago. The closest train station is Las Mercedes station, which has direct connections to Santiago. Outside the station’s Concha y Toro Oriente exit, minibuses run the short distance to the winery every 30 minutes.
When to Get There
Winery tours are possible all year, but advance bookings are highly recommended. The annual harvest typically runs from the end of March to May, and it’s a popular time to visit, thanks to the cooler weather and autumn leaves adding a touch of color to the landscape.
Chile’s Maipo Valley
Less than an hour’s drive from Santiago, the Maipo Valley is one of Chile’s most renowned wine-growing regions. Sheltered by the Andes Mountains to the west and with a warm, dry climate, the area has an ideal terroir for wine growing. The Maipo Valley is famous for its French-style wines, most notably its fruity cabernet sauvignons, but there are also some fine syrah, carménère, and merlot wines, as well as a growing selection of chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Along with Concha y Toro, other top wineries in the region include Santa Rita, Santa Carolina, and Undurraga.
Address: Ruta G-45 (Avenida Virginia Subercaseaux), Pirque, Chile
Admission: Varies
From $ 25