Historical & Cultural Landmarks in South America

Nestled amidst Brazil's rolling hills and lush greenery lies the picturesque and captivating town of Goiás. With its stunning, well-preserved colonial architecture and quaint cobblestone streets, this charming town paints a vivid picture of a bygone era. As the capital of the state of Goiás, Goiás Velho exudes an air of cultural significance, proudly showcasing the unique blend of traditions and customs that have shaped the history of Brazil.

The Historic Center of Lima is located in the Rimac Valley and was founded by Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro. Lima was the political, administrative, religious and economic capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru and the most important city of the Spanish dominions in South America.

Quito, Ecuador's capital, sits high in the Andean foothills. Constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, it's known for its well-preserved colonial center, rich with 16th- and 17th-century churches and other structures blending European, Moorish and indigenous styles.

Founded in 1540 along Colombia's River Magdalena, Mompox played a crucial role in Spanish colonization. Its historic center, meticulously preserved, reflects the town's significance and maintains the harmonious unity of its 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.

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.

Nestled within the arid expanses of the Atacama Desert, a landscape seemingly devoid of life, lies a testament to human ingenuity and resilience - the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works. Situated east of Iquique, in the Tarapacá Region of northern Chile, these two saltpeter works stand as the most representative vestiges of an industry that once wielded unparalleled influence over the region's economy and society.