Central & South America Travelers Recommend

Cusco is the central hub of the Sacred Valley, a magnet for lovers of Inca handicrafts and ruins, colonial charm and churches. Get to know Cusco and its famous markets from the ground up on a Cusco Markets and Ruins Small Group Tour. You’ll take a guided walk through busy San Pedro Market, joining locals shopping for dinner, then visit the impressive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the source of much of the stone used to build Cusco. Cusco is known for its richly ornamented baroque churches, the most famous being the 1560s cathedral filled with colonial art and gold decoration on central Plaza de Armas. The oldest church in Cusco, the Iglesia de El Triunfo, is on the right of the cathedral. One of the most ornate of Cusco’s churches is Iglesia de La Compania, with its decorative baroque facade also on Plaza de Armas. Cusco is surrounded by the Quechua hill towns of the Sacred Valley, ideal for a day trip into the countryside of terraced fields.

From the jungle of the Amazon to the icy wonderland of Patagonia, South America's wild topography is full of adventures. Whether it's learning to tango in Buenos Aires, trekking to Machu Picchu or cruising around the Galapagos Islands, there's something for every type of traveler. And best of all, with the Southern Hemisphere moving into autumn and winter, travelers can take advantage of low-season perks such as favorable hotel and airfare prices, fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Now is also a great time to snag a bargain on tours and activities thanks to a huge range of discounts and special offers. There's never been a better time to book, whether you're heading to South America this summer or planning for a future trip. Not sure where to start? Here are just a few of the continent’s best bits to add to your itinerary.

Cusco is Peru’s shopping hotspot for handicrafts, textiles, ceramics, art and jewelry, and the best place to shop for this booty is in the markets. There are several open-air and undercover shopping and market areas to browse, including several areas dedicated to Quechua handicrafts and textiles. To visit the workshops and showrooms of local craftspeople, head for Plaza San Blas. Traditional weavings and textiles are also displayed at the Center for Traditional Textiles. The Centro Artesenal Cusco is a good place to pick up souvenirs and alpaca wool handicrafts.

Begin your day on Amador Causeway, with magnificent city views. Next, immerse yourself in Panama's frenetic downtown, where the world's wares are on endless display. You can step back from this globalized future with a visit to the quiet ruins of Panamá Viejo, or recently revitalized colonial old town of Casco Viejo. After taking in a museum or city beach, dance the night away.While the dream tour is a ten-hour, full-transit cruise along the full length of the Canal, other options include half-transit trips and even shorter jaunts to one of the islands scattered across Lake Gatún. Panama City is close to some of the most easily accessible tropical forests in the Americas, beginning with Parque Natural Metropolitano, which even shoestring travelers can enjoy. More adventurous visitors could head north to the protected rainforests of Soberania National Park and Barro Colorado, both perfect for a day trip.

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. Here are a few ideas on where and how to spend your time in Lima. Get to grips with Lima’s history and sheer size by taking a stroll through the historic city center. Lima’s lively hub focuses on the pedestrianized street Jiron de la Union, connecting the city’s two main squares, Plaza de Armas and Plaza San Martin. One of the best ways to open the door to Lima’s secrets is through the city’s food and drink. Make your way to the huge central market to sample the local churros, juices and street snacks. Or combine a Lima market tour with something different - learn to make Peru’s legendary cocktail, the pisco sour. It’s a heady mix of lemon or lime juice, brandy and sugar, and you’ll shop for the ingredients at the market.

A popular destination for cruise ships, the coastal resort of Puerto Madryn offers a range of outdoor activities. Go hiking or horse riding along the coast; take a trip to the Punta Tombo Penguin Colony. The undeniable highlight of El Calafate is the neighboring Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, one of Patagonia’s most iconic sights. One day hiking or boating trips to see the glacier are possible, but with more time you could also include a visit to the remote Upsala Glacier. As the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia is the last frontier before Antarctica and dubbed the ‘end of the world’ by many arctic cruise liners. Choose from exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Tierra del Fuego National Park; sailing or kayaking among the islands of the famous Beagle Channel; riding the evocatively named End of the World train line.

A heady blend of Spanish and African traditions, the tango developed in the brothels and communal backstreets of Buenos Aires’ poorer port districts in the 1880s. As an art form, the tango reached a climax in the first decades of the 20th century when the language of the streets formed the poetic lyrics of tango. This blend of tragedy and passion was fused in the love songs of famed tango singer Carols Gardel. Today, the tango has UNESCO World Heritage status, part of the world's 'intangible cultural heritage.' The tango spread from Argentina to Uruguay and Europe, but Buenos Aires remains its traditional home. Tango shows and culture are a huge draw card for visitors to the city, culminating each year with the celebrations of Tango Day on December 11.

Your first day in Rio is perhaps best spent getting oriented to the city. Get a bird’s eye helicopter view of the marvelous city guarded by giant granite rocks and vast blue oceans. Alternatively roam downtown on foot or bicycle and mingle with the charming locals while learning of the city’s fascinating lore and history. Follow this up with a delectable seafood lunch cruise that sails past the beaches of Niteroi. On day two, it’s time to hit the sun, sea and surf! Indulge yourself with a tropical islands cruise complete with an island lunch or set sail to the Angra dos Reis archipalego. Cruise around Guanabara Bay and glimpse the spectacular Sugar Loaf Mountain. If you prefer basking in the lazy beach culture of some of the world’s best beaches, Ipanema and Copacabana are as good as any. A holiday in Rio is incomplete without a tour of the famed trifecta of Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf which includes a ride through the Tijuca Rain forest.

It’s not just lava that pours from this living mountain. Arenal is famous for its hot springs, rich with healing minerals and often developed into fantastic wonderlands, most with remarkable volcano views. The most famous, and beautiful, is Tabacón, a steaming river that pours through fantastically landscaped environs. Less flush travelers could try wet-and-wild Baldí, with waterslides and a more festive feel; The Springs, built around landscaped cascades; or secluded Eco Termales, a quiet spot with five family-friendly pools. Budget travelers can ask about the free springs, but please beware of thieves, who’ll make off with absolutely anything left unguarded! No matter which termales you choose, cool off with a drink and some healthy Tico cuisine at one of the fine restaurants in the adorably touristy town of La Fortuna, at the base of the volcano.