Historical & Cultural Landmarks in South America

Located between the Serra da Bocaina mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean, this cultural and natural landscape includes the historic center of Paraty, the island of Ilha Grande, as well as four protected natural areas of the Atlantic Forest, one of the world's critical biodiversity hotspots.

Plaza de Mayo is a historic city square in Buenos Aires. Formed in 1884, the square hosts important historical monuments. In addition, it has been the scene of the most momentous events in Argentine history and the country's most significant popular demonstrations.

The Qhapaq Ñan, also known as the Andean Road System, is a marvel of engineering and culture that weaves together the diverse landscapes and societies of the Andes in South America. This intricate network of trails and roads traverses one of the world's most extreme geographical terrains.

Recoleta is a downtown residential neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is an area of great historical and architectural interest due to its Beaux-Arts architecture and the distinguished La Recoleta Cemetery, one of the most unusual cemeteries in the world.

Founded by the Portuguese in 1549 as the first capital of Brazil, Salvador de Bahia is one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. The city's Historic Center is distinguished by its religious, civil and military colonial architecture dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas is a timeless masterpiece in the enchanting city of Congonhas, Brazil. Crafted by Baroque maestro Antônio Francisco Lisboa, it's a synthesis of architectural grandeur and sculptural brilliance. Visitors can explore the Rococo interior, outdoor stairway adorned with prophet statues, and chapels illustrating the Stations of the Cross.

São Francisco Square in the town of São Cristovão is a historic plaza consisting of an open space surrounded by substantial early buildings. It is a well-preserved example of northeastern Brazil's Spanish colonial and Portuguese Franciscan architecture.

Nestled on the precipitous slopes of the Chilean Andes, Sewell is an abandoned mining town renowned as "The City of Stairs." This unique settlement, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bears witness to a rich history and industrial legacy.

Cradled in southeastern Peru within the Urubamba Valley of the Andes Mountains at an impressive altitude of 3,400 meters above sea level, Cusco is a captivating testament to the intersection of history and modernity. The capital of the Inca Empire from the 13th century until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century and the present-day capital of the Cusco Region and Province, this World Heritage City offers a unique journey through time and culture.

Machu Picchu is an impressive archaeological site in Peru, known as the "Lost City of the Incas," that has captivated the imagination of people worldwide for centuries. It's nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains and symbolizes the ancient Inca culture and architectural brilliance. The intricate stone structures and breathtaking natural beauty draw visitors worldwide to marvel at its historical and architectural wonders.