Central & South America Travel Tips
There's more diversity packed into this space than in any other comparably sized area on earth - and that's just Central America. Before you even go south of the isthmus (aka the Panama Canal) there's every conceivable type of adventure to be had - fun, easy, bumpy, challenging, surprising, fulfilling - that will give you conversational topics for decades to come.
South America, however, is a much bigger story, overwhelming in scale and scope and offering the full gamut of experience, from alpine skiing in Patagonia to navigating the upper reaches of the Amazon.
Inca Civilization
Written by Viator, November 2010
The mighty Inca Empire once stretched from northern Ecuador to central Chile and northern Argentina, encompassing at least 12 million people and lasting 300 years. Beginning in around 1200 AD as a ...
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3 Days in Lima: Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator, November 2010
Peru’s capital city was founded by Pizarro in 1535, and the modern-day city of Lima is a sprawling metropolis encompassing ruins from pre-Inca times, ultramodern shopping malls and coastal beaches. ...
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3 Days in Quito: Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator, December 2012
Nestled in a valley flanked by volcanoes and the snow-capped Andes, Quito isn’t shy about its scenery. In fact, it’s world-renowned for its beautiful location, climate and culture, thanks to its ...
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El Calafate Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator, November 2010
The gateway town to Patagonia’s blue Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park, El Calafate is also a resort destination bordering Lake Argentino. Birdwatchers flock here to watch the ...
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Belize City Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator, August 2010
English-speaking Belize is a small jewel on Central America’s Caribbean coast. It combines historic attractions with natural beauty spots to make a magnificent holiday destination. Day 1: Ancient ...
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Flavors of Peru
Written by Viator, November 2010
Peruvian cuisine is typically South American, but with some surprises! Alongside indigenous and Spanish fare, you’ll find influences from China, Italy, Africa and Japan. Based on the staples of ...
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3 Days in Medellín: Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator, April 2012
“The main risk in Medellín,” you’ll be warned at every turn, “is that you won’t want to leave.” With its stunning setting amidst scenic mountains, fine dining and nightlife, glorious green ...
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3 Days in Manaus: Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator, June 2012
Manaus may not rank at the top of most Brazil must-see lists in the way that Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo do, but this major port city has the appeal of a pretty historic center - complete with ...
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3 Days in Fortaleza: Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator, August 2010
Fortaleza is a perpetually sunny, seaside city with a vibrant atmosphere, lovely restored colonial buildings and several urban beaches. One of the largest cities in Brazil’s northeast, its main charm ...
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3 Days in Montevideo: Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator, July 2012
While Uruguay is considered a small country, it’s packed with cultural, historical and entertaining activities. You’ll find most of the action in the largest city and capital, Montevideo, where ...
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3 Days in Arenal Volcano National Park
Written by Viator, March 2012
The majestic gray cone of Costa Rica’s most famous volcano, Arenal, has the frustrating habit of veiling itself in thick clouds about 80% of the time. That’s why clever travelers plan to spend a few ...
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3 Days in Patagonia: Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator, August 2010
At the southern terminus of the Panamerican Highway, a fantastic, glacier-carved realm of natural beauty begins. This is the gateway to Antarctica, guarded by sharp-toothed granite peaks and ...
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3 Days in Puno: Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator, May 2012
The city of Puno is rarely considered most beautiful destination on Lake Titicaca; the modern and somewhat scruffy city is a working port town. It is a destination not only for tourists, but also ...
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Jaco Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator, March 2012
Upon arrival in the cheerfully scruffy center of Jaco (or, alternately, the luxuriously landscaped resort just north, Los Sueños), you’ll want to appreciate the view; Costa Rica’s Central ...
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3 Days in Antigua: Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator, April 2012
The most popular tourist city in Guatemala, Antigua is not only a great place to explore itself, but also provides a fantastic jumping off point for plenty of historic and cultural attractions ...
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