Central + S. America Destinations
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Rio de JaneiroBrazil is a land of so many captivating attractions it could be 100 different destinations! From the sophisticated and the pristine, to the deepest jungles and the mighty rivers, to the delectable cuisine and the bossa nova beat, Brazil is a country that will kindle the passion within you. Rio de Janeiro is the world capital of passion. There, beautiful people inhabit world-famous Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches beneath Sugar Loaf Mountain. This is the city of the world’s largest, and perhaps the most festive Carnival Celebration, and Rio’s party continues year-around once the sun goes down. |
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CuscoCusco (Peru), once the capital of the Incan Empire, is now a bustling metropolitan area that's literally built on a strong Incan foundation. While the Spanish eventually constructed a cobblestone city in Cusco, you can still explore the remains of ancient palaces, temples and hilltop citadels. Venture outside of the city to the beautiful Sacred Valley, a series of quaint towns along the Vilcanota River with colonial churches, Incan platforms and other archeological sites. Vilcabamba was the last Incan outpost before colonists assumed control of it in the 16th century.
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LimaLima is the modern capital of Peru in every sense of the word. In addition to being the country's industrial and financial center, it has attracted immigrants from all over the world, and its flavor is distinctly international with touches of Europe and even China. With its subtropical beaches and the Barranco district's clubs and cafes, there's plenty of fun to be had in Lima, but the culture of the Incas is always nearby. Pachacamac is a huge Incan archeological site near the city, and Lima's museums are probably the best in the country for documenting its prehistoric peoples. |
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Machu PicchuPeru is a country where majesty reigns, rising out of the tropical forests of the Amazon basin and the cities of the Incan Empire to meet the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. The culmination of all this greatness is the fabled Machu Picchu, one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World" that is an incredible collection of temples, palaces, baths and 150 houses. This awe inspiring city in the clouds dramatically sits 1,000 feet above a river, straddled between two mountains, and itsnear-pristine remains give visitors a glimpse into the engineering genius of the Incas. Many of the mortarless building blocks used... |
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Salvador BahiaTake the time to journey to the more unexplored corners and uncover another Brazil. Visit the former capital city of Salvador, which lies scenically between lush green mountains and the blue sea. A sight that will truly astound is the majestic Iguazu Falls on the Brazil-Argentina border. Stand amidst the thunder of this magnificent vision, and you'll discover roaring falls so powerful they leave a 100-foot vertical spray of water. |
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BelizeBelize is one of the more surprising destinations you’ll visit, sometimes more reminiscent of a Caribbean island than a Latin American country. With English as the official language, you’ll never be at a loss for words when describing the beauty all around you. Unofficially, the national pastime is enjoying its incredible, and often secluded, natural environment. The island of Ambergris Caye is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world- an incredible world under the sea- and endless watersports. San Pedro is a casual town of brightly painted houses with only 10 streets and no pavement,... |
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ArgentinaIn Argentina a country a glaciers and giant waterfalls, you’ll cast your eyes upon sights that defy description. Argentina will seduce you with its magnificent mountains, vast plains, colossal glaciers and one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the world. It’s a country that will tempt you with sumptuous food and fine wine, enlighten you with culture and thrill you with the sultry moves of the world-famous tango. Of course, Buenos Aries is a must-see with all of its museums, dancing venues and gourmet restaurants. Each of its 48 neighborhoods has a distinct character, and they all give the... |
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PanamaThe Panama Canal—which, surprisingly to most, runs north-south—literally divides this country in half. Just to the east of the canal, the capital, Panama City, sits on the southerly Pacific coast; its twin on the northerly Caribbean coast is Colón, a gritty port city that is still trying to remake itself as a tourist destination. Further east off the Caribbean (northern) coast is the San Blas Archipelago, a cluster of islands that's home to the indigenous Kuna people. Much of the far eastern side of the country is preserve land of the Darién, a national park that stretches all the way to Colombia.... |
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Costa RicaSan José, Costa Rica's bustling yet unremarkable capital, is smack in the middle of the country. The surrounding Central Valley, where most Costa Rican coffee is produced, is hemmed in to the north by the Cordillera Central mountain range and to the south by the towering Talamanca massif. About a three-hour drive... |
