Countries of Latin America and their attractions. Category: Latin America. Ecuadorian Loja and Podocarpus National Park
Grab your passport and pack your bags. We are sure that after reading this article, you will go ahead to adventure!
The deepest lake in all of Central America, Atitlan, is surrounded by three volcanoes. And its name itself, translated from Mayan, means “the place where the rainbow takes on colors.”
The main attraction here is scuba diving, during which you can explore ancient ships that sank hundreds of years ago. And, of course, you can always enjoy the beach.
Built about 1,450 years ago, Machu Picchu is the main symbol of the ancient Inca Empire. The hike itself will require a lot of physical effort from you, so you should be in good shape before choosing this trip.
This place is the largest salt flat in the world. Also here, the earth and sky seem to merge into one, giving you an amazing opportunity to take breathtaking photos.
If you are in Brazil, you can book a helicopter flight over the waterfalls. But in Argentina you can book a train ride that will take you straight to the waterfalls. So just choose which trip suits you best!
Easter Island is famous for its huge statues called Moai. A total of 887 of them were found on the island.
This island went unnoticed until the 1970s. Gradually it became one of the most favorite holiday destinations for Colombians. And by the way, car traffic is prohibited there.
If you are a hiking enthusiast, then this place will surely be on your list of favorites. But, you should remember that this is a national park, which means you can only wander there along special paths.
This delightful island in northern Brazil, surrounded by huge dunes, is often called paradise on earth. To get there, you will have to drive for several hours, but believe me, it is worth it.
It is the southernmost city in the world. The warmest month there is January, during which temperatures reach 50.5º Fahrenheit (10.3º Celsius).
Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago of 21 islands and islets. Since many of the animal species found there are rare, tourists are charged a small conservation fee upon arrival.
Cartagena is the city most associated with the Pirates of the Caribbean. The ancient city, surrounded by a fortress, is an ideal place to get lost and enjoy the peculiarities of the local culture.
The ocean surrounding the archipelago is a marine reserve and a haven for whales.
14. Amazon rainforests (Amazonian jungle), covering the territory of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia and three other countries
Huge forests are so diverse in their flora and fauna that a separate article would be required to describe them. And yet, this is just an amazing place!
Punta del Este is the perfect place if you love beach holidays, discos at night, amazing culture and unusual food.
This area is famous for the production of such a strong alcoholic drink as Pisco, a type of grape vodka. In this desert you will be lucky enough to see a real oasis.
The island, separated from the mainland by a small lake, has become a real refuge for flamingos and pelicans. If you're lucky enough to visit in the right month, you might even see whale sharks.
The temperature in this place ranges from 27 to 35º Celsius, and the humidity is high. It is these natural conditions that are suitable for various species of animals. For example, about 300 species of birds and 15 species of reptiles live here.
19. Lake Laguna Verde (or Green Lagoon), Bolivia
The color of the water in the lake varies from turquoise to dark emerald. This is due to the high content of the minerals magnesium, calcium carbonate, lead and arsenic. And these pigments are so pronounced that they can even reflect the color of the sky.
This valley is a wildlife sanctuary that strives to preserve the wax palm, a national symbol of Colombia.
This area includes about 350 islands, reefs and islets. Whether you're enjoying the white sandy beaches or diving into the reefs, the choice is yours.
22. Deciduous forests of Monteverde (translated as “Green Mountain”), Costa Rica
Ninety percent of the territory is virgin forest, where no human has ever set foot. This is why the forest is so diverse in biological species. It is home to about 2,500 species of plants, 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 120 species of reptiles and amphibians, as well as thousands of species of insects. So take out your camera and get going!
Here you can enjoy natural hot springs, cable cars, the most scary and breathtaking swings, and also learn the history of the founding of the city.
If you go to this place during the summer, you can see the glacier melting, leaving huge chunks of ice behind. You can hike on this glacier and even drink whiskey on the rocks. But don't worry about using up the glacier's reserves. It is one of the three glaciers in the world that is growing every year.
It is known as the driest place on earth. Its soil is also often compared to the soil on Mars.
Formerly a colonial mining town. Translated, its name means “black gold”. This place is perfect for those who adore museums, ancient churches, and baroque architecture.
A holiday in Latin America is truly worth flying halfway around the world to get there. We bring to your attention 10 popular destinations that will tell you about all the advantages of this distant region. Salvador, Brazil. Many tourists who visited Salvador dubbed it the New Orleans of South America. Life in Salvador is in full swing. Enjoy the tropical climate and delicious street food, visit art galleries and dance the night away. 
Cartagena, Colombia. The divinely beautiful fishing town on the Caribbean coast has remained in the shadow of its older sister, Bogota, throughout its history, but believe me, it is worth appreciating. The port city attracts tourists with its cobbled streets, colorful architecture, delicious food (especially delicious pastries and, of course, Colombian coffee), and white sandy beaches. 
Ambergris Caye, Belize. One of the most popular holiday destinations in Central America, Costa Rica has a lot to offer tourists, but if you're looking for a similar but less crowded destination, you should head to Belize. In addition, the Belize Barrier Reef can compete with the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia and will delight diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. 
Havana, Cuba. A city that needs no introduction. Among the buildings from the colonial era, you will find vintage cars, countless shops offering national cuisine and cigars, as well as Cubans dancing salsa and mambo. It doesn’t matter in which part of Cuba you decide to stay, because the beaches on the island are almost always within walking distance or easily accessible by transport. 
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. If you prefer communing with wildlife to sipping refreshing cocktails on the beach, head to the Galapagos Islands. This is the only place on Earth where you can see marine iguanas and elephant turtles, whose lifespan can reach 150 years. 
La Paz, Bolivia. The city is located on the hills at an altitude of 3660 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views that will take your breath away. Be sure to take the time to visit the world's largest salt flat, Uyuni. The sky reflected in the thin layer of water that covers the salt marsh after the rains is a wonderful backdrop for a selfie. 
Bocas del Toro, Panama. In the Bocas del Toro archipelago, everyone will find entertainment to their liking: walking tours in off-the-beaten-path areas, underwater excursions and nightlife that rages until dawn. For real adventurers, excursions to bat caves are offered. 
Cusco, Peru. The city of Cusco has such a long history that it is sometimes called the cradle of the world. No tourist should leave Peru without visiting Machu Picchu, an ancient city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. If you're tired of the summer heat, head to the cool Argentine Andes, where there are plenty of adventures to suit every taste. Bariloche is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, be it rowing, paragliding, skiing or rock climbing. 
Montevideo, Uruguay. The capital of Uruguay is a dynamic city famous for its excellent restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Fans of cities such as New York, Barcelona and Buenos Aires will appreciate the atmosphere that reigns in Montevideo. Have fun at a beach party, take an Argentine tango lesson at a bar, or visit a flea market for some real treasures.
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Salinas Grandes Salinas Grandes is the third largest salt marsh in the world. It is located in Argentina and has an area of about 8900 sq. km. It represents the bottom of a dry lake. Various mineral salts and soda are mined here - they are simply scraped off from the surface where they are formed naturally. Salinas Grandes is a popular tourist destination.
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Bridge of the Woman The pedestrian bridge Puente de la Mujer (also known as the Bridge of the Woman) was opened in Buenos Aires on December 20, 2001. and immediately became a landmark of the Argentine capital. It is located in a modern business district, built on the site of old docks and piers. All streets bear women's names, hence the name of the bridge - Woman's Bridge. The silhouette of the bridge symbolizes a couple dancing tango. There is only one pylon, which has a height of 40 m, and it is inclined to the horizon by 39 degrees.
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Perito Moreno Perito Moreno is a glacier in Argentina, located in a national park 78 km from the small town of El Calafate, where tourists can reach by plane. The glacier has an area of about 250 sq. km. and is a continuation of the huge Patagon glacier. Perito Moreno's movement speed is about 2m per day, and if you are lucky, you will see how the sparkling ice wall, first slowly, and then faster and faster, settles into the waters of Lake Lago Argentino.
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Corcovado At the top of Mount Corcovado stands a statue that is the hallmark of Rio de Janeiro. Christ stands with his arms spread wide, and seems to be hovering over the city, blessing and protecting it. The height of the statue is 30 m, the pedestal is 8 m. Inside there is the Church of the Holy Trinity, designed for 150 people.
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“Sugar Loaf” Sugar Loaf is not a very high mountain - only 396 meters - but its walls are completely vertical and almost devoid of vegetation. There are several versions of the origin of the name, and which one is correct is unknown. The first thing that comes to mind is the form. It seems to resemble a lump of sugar, to others it resembles an Easter cake, and then they say that the original name was Sugar Bread.
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Iguazu Falls The Iguazu River, being the natural border between Brazil and Argentina, became famous thanks to this particular complex of waterfalls. Rough streams of water over a distance of 2.7 km fall into the crescent-shaped Iguazu Canyon from a height of about 60 meters. The maximum height is 82 meters - in the Devil's Throat. Located in a semicircle - these are 275 streams of water!
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Nazca Valley in Peru This is where the famous huge drawings are located, which, due to their size, can only be seen from a bird's eye view. “Spider”, the smallest of the figures, has a length of 46 m, and “Lizard” stretches as much as 188 m. There are also figures “Dog”, “Hummingbird”, “Whale”, “Condor”, “Astronaut” and many others . The reason for the appearance of geoglyphs is still unknown.
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Lake Titicaca Titicaca is the largest lake in South America in terms of fresh water reserves, the second largest lake in South America by surface area, the world's highest navigable lake, located in the central Andes, on the border of Peru and Bolivia, at an altitude of 3812 meters, an area of 8300 km², depth up to 304 m
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Angel Falls In the southeast of Venezuela is the tallest waterfall in the world - Angel. It is named after the pilot who, by luck, managed to find it. The pilot lost his course, and good weather allowed him to see the waterfall. After the surveys, we discovered that the waterfall consists of two levels. The first has a height of 800 meters, the second - 170 meters. In general, the height of the waterfall is about 1 km. Angel Falls is considered a hard-to-reach tourist site.
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Ischigualasto This place is also called the Valley of the Moon is a natural park in Argentina. Translated, it means “the place where the Moon rests.” This is a former river valley formed 230 million years ago. Over such a long period of time, wind and rain have created amazing rocky reliefs. Hence the comparison with the lunar one. There is also a mysterious skittles area. This is a place where stone balls of different sizes lie directly on the ground. Moreover, this phenomenon is natural - new balls appear from underground, old ones are destroyed over time. The remains of 54 different species of dinosaurs were also found in the park! Models of these prehistoric reptiles can be seen in the museum created at the park.
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Victoria - region A plant that got its name in honor of the young Queen of England, who was famous for her beauty. In the dialect of the Colombian Indians, this plant is called “Apona”, which means “Bird frying pan”, since the two-meter leaves of the aquatic plant have a flat, rounded shape with curved edges. Native children have adapted to using its leaves as flotation devices, and the Indians eat flour from the roots of the huge water lily.
Chichen Itza was once the most powerful city in the Yucatan Peninsula. According to one version, it was built in the 5th-6th century, and in the 10th century it was captured by the Toltec tribe, later turning it into the capital of their state. At the end of the 12th century, Chichen Itza was captured by other city-states and soon fell into disrepair.
The most famous monuments are located in the so-called “new zone”, the one where the Toltec buildings are located. “White roads” paved with limestone lead from building to building. Opposite the main entrance stands the famous El Castillo pyramid, dedicated to Kukulcan, one of the supreme Mayan deities, who was depicted as a feathered serpent.
There are 4 staircases with 91 steps leading to the central platform of the pyramid. The total is 364 steps, which together with the central platform symbolize 365 calendar days. On the days of the equinox, the light falls on the steps of one of the stairs in such a way that you can see the image of a “crawling” snake on it - this spectacle attracts thousands of tourists every year. If you go down the stairs under the pyramid, you can see a more ancient temple with a throne in the form of a red jaguar.
Chichen Itza is also famous for its ball courts, such as Huego de Pelota, the largest court built by the Mayans. On the walls around the site there are many scenes with participants in the games, some of them depicted beheaded.
Christ the Redeemer Statue, Brazil
One of the most famous monuments in the world - Christ "embracing Rio de Janeiro" - stands on the city's highest peak, Mount Corcovado. The idea to erect a monument to Jesus on a picturesque mountain in honor of the centenary of Brazilian independence appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, but construction was completed only in 1931.
The railway leading to Corcovado is the oldest in Brazil, it is 50 years older than the monument - it was along it that massive blocks were subsequently delivered to the mountain for the construction of the statue. Today, only bright red tourist trains run along this road, taking guests to the foot of the statue. Then tourists and pilgrims have to overcome the last part of the journey - on an escalator or along a winding staircase, which is nicknamed Karakol ("Snail").
Inside the marble pedestal there is a small chapel in honor of the patroness of Brazil, the Virgin Mary of Aparecida. In the evening, the statue is illuminated by several hundred spotlights and is visible from anywhere in the city.
Machu Picchu, Peru
The ancient Inca city is located in a remote location among the Peruvian mountains. It is believed that Machu Picchu was built by the Inca chief Pachacutec in the mid-15th century, but a century later the city was deserted for unknown reasons. It was discovered in 1911, and since then has been constantly surrounded by hypotheses, legends, and speculation. You can get to Machu Picchu by train or bus, or on foot, following the original “Inca Way”.
On the territory of Machu Picchu there are more than 200 buildings - palaces, temples, residential buildings. All buildings are built from carefully fitted stones, without fastening material! On the slopes of the mountain, the Incas also built impressive stepped terraces on which they grew crops.
The cult place of Machu Picchu is the Temple of Three Windows, through which the rays of the sun fall on the sacred square where lama sacrifices were made. Another famous landmark of the city is Intihuatana, the stone of the sun. This is a huge monolith on a triangular platform, which, according to one version, served as a sundial, according to another - a place for rituals and celebrations dedicated to Inti, the sun god.
Salt Temple of Zipaquira, Colombia
The salt temple is entirely carved into a salt rock near the Colombian town of Zipaquira. For many centuries, salt mines were mined here, and now at a depth of 200 meters there is a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary of the Rosary, the patroness of miners, and many other rooms.
It is believed that about 90 years ago, miners placed the image of the Mother of God in one of their mines, and then built an altar in the middle of 4 tunnels. However, the temple itself is quite young - the first religious building appeared here in the mid-20th century, and modern premises were opened in 1995.
To get to the temple, you need to go through a tunnel past 14 small chapels reminiscent of the suffering of Christ. After the chapels, guests come to numerous passages, balconies and labyrinths of mines, as well as to the dome, which overlooks a huge cross. Walking further, you can get acquainted with the exhibition of objects made of salt and stone.
Every Sunday, masses are held in the temple, and sometimes live music concerts, and in the neighboring caves there is a cinema hall, souvenir shops and even an underground cafeteria. More recently, the temple was equipped with a modern lighting system, thanks to which all the salt vaults and statues are illuminated in different colors.
Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
Titicaca is not only one of the largest, highest and deepest lakes in the world. According to Incan legend, it was from Lake Titicaca that the god Viracocha came out and created the sun, moon and stars, and then made the first people from stone - Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo. Thus, Titicaca is the birthplace of all Incas, the place where their souls return after death.
About 10 years ago, an ancient temple was discovered at the bottom of the lake, the age of which, according to various versions, ranges from 1000 to 1500 years. There are 41 islands throughout the lake, which are also considered sacred. The largest and most revered of them is the island of the sun - the abode of the Inca sun god Inti. On the island there is the famous Chinaca labyrinth and the “fountain of youth”, to which 206 stone steps lead - the steps of the Inca.
The Island of the Moon, in turn, is considered the home of the goddess Mama Quilla. During the time of the Incas, the so-called “sun virgins” lived here - women who lived in seclusion and performed ceremonies in honor of the sun god.
From the deepest wilds of Peru to the crystalline underground cenotes of Mexico, Latin America has a wealth of attractions to offer. However, the most interesting places that have not yet been overrun by tourists can be difficult to find on your own. This article does all the hard work for you, as it contains the most impressive and amazing places in Latin America that only a few tourists talk about. From exploring an untouched paradise on undiscovered islands to traveling to an active volcano, surfing the northern coast of Nicaragua and seeing sea lions in Uruguay, this article will give you all the best places in Latin America that you'll want to travel to immediately.
Semuc Champey in Guatemala
You'll have to work hard to see what many call the most beautiful place in the entire country. It is famous for its natural three-hundred-meter limestone bridge, at the very top of which there are pools of cool flowing river water.
Lenuis Maranjenes National Park, Brazil
This is a 1,500-kilometer national park that at first glance may seem like a place from another planet, as it is full of white sand dunes, among which you can find aquamarine pools.
Sacred Valley, Peru
If you're looking for the least popular tourist destination in Peru, you should definitely head to the Sacred Valley, which is a large plain that connects the capital Cusco with the world-famous Machu Picchu mountain.
San Blas, Panama
If you find yourself at a yacht club in either Panama or Cartagena, Colombia, you can board a ship and sail between Central and South America, and have the added bonus of stopping at the beautiful and largely uninhabited island of San Blas.
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
San Pedro de Atacama is a remote town in the middle of the Atacama Desert, which is the driest in the entire world. This small town represents the final frontier before a new and exciting adventure begins.
Northern coast of Nicaragua in Apponentillo
If you're looking for adventure in Central America, you should head to the northern coast of Nicaragua, where you'll find great surfing. In particular, we are talking about Apponentillo, located near the border with El Salvador.
Chachapoyas and Kuelap ruins
If you're looking for a less touristy alternative to Machu Picchu or just want to immerse yourself in local culture, head to Chazapoyas. All history buffs who want to escape the crowds at Machu Picchu should visit the impressive citadel at Kuelap.
Acatenango, Guatemala
You should go hiking to the Acatenango volcano, which is located near Antigua in Guatemala. Here you will find the erupting volcano at Fuego and you will have the chance to see a real eruption on your way to Acatenango.
Capurgana and Sapzuro, Colombia
Nothing says you're on an exotic vacation more than a ride on a locals' fishing boat. Capurgana and Sapzuro are two idyllic villages located in the Choco region on the Pacific coast of Colombia, near the border with Panama.
Cocora Valley near Salento, Colombia
The Cocora Valley near Salento, a colonial city in Colombia, is a very interesting place. You should definitely go hiking in this valley where you can enjoy the sight of tall wax palms.
Rurrenabaque, Bolivia
You should visit the small town of Rurrenabaque in northern Bolivia. If you want to get out of your comfort zone and see the Bolivian Amazon jungle, then Rurrenabaque is the perfect remote and hidden destination.
Cenotes in Mexico
Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with fresh water, and there are several thousand of them in Mexico. The underground cenotes will definitely be the most outstanding part of your trip to Latin America.
Ecuadorian Amazon
Deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon, many kilometers from the nearest road or village, live the Quechua people of Wachitaca. It is a very close-knit community where people live off what the land gives them and also fish in the river.
Santa Ana Volcano in El Salvador
You should definitely go hiking to the nearby volcano, as from the top you can see miles of Cerro Verde National Park.
Angel Falls in Venezuela
This is the highest waterfall in the whole world. But at the same time it is incredibly difficult to get to. You can only get to Canaima National Park by air, as any travel or trekking on land is incredibly dangerous.
Cabo Polonio, Uruguay
It is still not a particularly popular place and can only be reached by jeep through the sand dunes and along the beach. There is no running water or electricity, but that is part of the charm.
Lake Atitlan in Guatemala
If you're looking to escape the stresses of everyday life, Jaibalito in Guatemala is the perfect place to go. The small town is located on the shores of Lake Atitlan and can only be reached by boat.
Providencia Island, Colombia
This amazing island is very small, but it is definitely on your list of places to visit in Colombia. It has retained its traditional and tranquil charm thanks to its isolated location.
Puebla, Mexico
You should also stop by here to see local art and enjoy some chocolate. This is a beautiful colonial city that is often overlooked due to its location so close to Mexico City.
Cerro Negro, Nicaragua
You should also visit the active volcano Cerro Negro in the Cordillera de los Maribios mountains. Central America is known for its mountains that are ideal for hiking, but this is one of the most attractive destinations.
Cabo de la Vela, Colombia
You should head into the desert and get to Cabo de la Vela, where you can learn to kite surf. Plus, you'll only find locals here, not crowds of tourists.
Quilotoa in Ecuador
If you go to Quilotoa, you will meet at most one foreigner on your way. This walking route will take you three days, during which time you will pass through the Andean hills and villages of Ecuador.
Huanchaco in northern Peru
Many people who visit Peru don't make it that far north, so they don't end up in Huanchaco. But if you're looking for a place to relax, this beach town is a great choice.
Bay of Chiriqui in the province of Chiriqui, Panama
The Gulf of Chiriqui in the Chiriquí province of Panama is home to the Gulf of Chiriqui National Marine Park, which covers an area of approximately 177 square kilometers and protects 25 islands, 19 coral reefs and a wealth of wildlife.
Nosara, Costa Rica
If you're looking for the perfect place to get away from it all, this small village on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula is perfect for you. Here, instead of an alarm clock, you'll wake up to the sounds of monkeys, and the only decision you'll have to make each day is whether to go surfing, explore one of the pristine beaches, or enjoy the jungle views from the cable car.