Historical & Cultural Landmarks in South America

Founded in 1540 on the banks of Colombia's River Magdalena, Mompox played a key role in the Spanish colonization of northern South America. The historic center has preserved the harmony and unity of the urban landscape.

São Luís lies on the west side of São Luís Island on the Atlantic coast of northeastern Brazil. The 17th-century core of this historic town, founded by the French and occupied by the Dutch before coming under Portuguese rule, has survived, preserved as an outstanding example of an Iberian colonial town.

Diamantina is a city in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It was founded in 1729 during the Brazilian Gold Rush and is known for its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic center has many well-preserved colonial buildings, including churches, mansions, and shops.

The Historic City of Sucre, the first capital of Bolivia, was founded by the Spanish in the first half of the 16th century. Its many well-preserved 16th-century religious buildings illustrate the blending of local architectural traditions with styles imported from Europe.

Paramaribo is the capital and largest city of Suriname, located on the banks of the Suriname River. It is a former Dutch colonial town dating from the 17th and 18th centuries and the original and highly characteristic street plan of the historic center remains intact.

The Historic Quarter of Valparaíso presents an excellent example of urban architectural development in Latin America. Built upon dozens of steep hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean, its labyrinth of streets and cobblestone alleyways embody a rich architectural and cultural legacy.

Embedded within a dramatic landscape between the Andes and the Amazon Basin, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is among the greatest artistic, architectural and land use achievements anywhere, as well as the most significant tangible legacy of the Inca civilization.

Olinda is a historic town in northeastern Pernambuco, Brazil. Located atop a hill on the Atlantic coast, it is situated just a few kilometers north of the state capital, Recife. Founded in 1535 by the Portuguese, it is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and colonial architecture.

Ouro Preto is a historic town located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Founded in 1698, it was once the state's capital and played a significant role in the country's colonial history. Today, Ouro Preto is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage, and artistic legacy.

The historical center of Arequipa, the present capital of the Arequipa Region, is an outstanding example of a colonial settlement challenged by the natural conditions, the indigenous influences, the process of conquest and evangelization, as well as the spectacular nature of its setting.