Central and South America are home to some of the world’s most iconic destinations, such as Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires. However, there are many other destinations in this diverse and fascinating region that often go overlooked by travelers. From colonial cities to pristine beaches, there are countless underrated destinations waiting to be discovered. Let’s take a closer look at some of the hidden gems of Central and South America, especially those that left a great impression on our family as we visited them. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler looking for something new or planning your first trip to the region, these underrated destinations are sure to surprise and delight you.
El Calafate, Argentina
While the Torres del Paine region in Chile usually gets the spotlight (and rightly so) when it comes to Patagonia, El Calafate in Argentina is also a wonderful destination for families! The main draw when visiting El Calafate is to go to the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is about an hour away. Perito Moreno is one of the few glaciers in the world that’s not getting smaller, and is absolutely breathtaking. While those with younger kids may be limited to sightseeing from the viewing platform or from a boat tour, there are other activities for families with older kids. You can go on mini treks on the glacier itself, or can kayak around it as well.
El Calafate itself is a relatively small town, with one main street and a few blocks in their downtown area having shops, restaurants and bars. There’s also a nice park overlooking the Lago Argentino where kids can play on the wooden playground. And if you’re looking for more adventure, you can also spend some time at El Chalten, which is a small town about 3 hours away. El Chalten has some spectacular hiking trailes that overlook the famous Laguna Torre and Fitz Roy Mountain. Ultimately, while it can be somewhat difficult to get to El Calafate, it is absolutely worth it as a Patagonia destination and is a place you should add to your itinerary if you’re already going to Torres del Paine.
Viña del Mar and Valparaiso, Chile
Located about 1.5 hours driving from Santiago, Viña del Mar and Valparaiso are beautiful coastal towns that offer a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the capital city. Here are a few activities that the whole family would enjoy:
- Enjoy the beaches: Viña del Mar has several beautiful beaches where families can swim, sunbathe, and build sandcastles. Playa el Sol and Playa Acapulco are popular options.
- Visit the Concon Dunes: The city of Concon, about 20 minutes from Viña del Mar, has mesmerizing sand dunes the the city looks built around. These sand dunes give you breathtaking views of both the Pacific ocean and the city itself, and is a great place to go sand sledding.
- Explore the parks: Viña del Mar is known for its numerous parks and gardens. Parque Quinta Vergara is a large park with beautiful gardens, a lake, and a palace. Jardín Botánico Nacional is another option for families who enjoy nature.
- Visit the aquarium: Acuario de Valparaíso is a popular aquarium located just a short drive from Viña del Mar. Families can see a variety of marine life, including sharks, sea lions, and penguins.
- Go on a bike ride: Families can rent bikes and ride along the coast on the Ciclovía de la Costa, a dedicated bike path that stretches for several miles.
- Admire Street Art in Valparaiso: Valparaiso has a lot of colorful buildings, but has also developed a unique street art scene there. As you walk around the hilly town, you’ll see various murals, painted stairs, and other street art that you’ll want to snap photos of.
Ollantaytambo, Peru
While often overshadowed by Cusco and Macchu Picchu itself, Ollantaytambo is a wonderful culturally rich destination. Ollantaytambo is part of Peru’s Sacred Valley and is an Inca archaelogical site and small town surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Families visiting Ollantaytambo can explore the town’s narrow cobblestone streets, visit the local market, and learn about the region’s rich history and culture. One of the main attractions in Ollantaytambo is the Inca ruins, which include a fortress and a temple complex. Families can climb the steep stone steps to explore the ruins and learn about Inca engineering and architecture. Another popular activity in Ollantaytambo is hiking, as the town is surrounded by mountains and valleys with stunning vistas. Families can take a guided hike or explore on their own, discovering hidden Inca ruins and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. There are other experiential travel opportunities in the area, like this home visit that we had in the village of Huilloc.
Ollantaytambo also has a train station where you can take the Inca rail to Macchu Picchu itself, so it’s a great place to set up a home base if that’s a Overall, families visiting Ollantaytambo will have plenty of opportunities to learn, explore, and enjoy the culture and nature of this unique and beautiful region of Peru.
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
While the beaches of Costa Rica are undoubtedly stunning, La Fortuna offers a unique experience for families looking to explore the country’s natural wonders. Located 2.5 hours from either the Liberia or San Jose airports, La Fortuna is known for its proximity to Arenal Volcano National Park, where families can hike through lush rainforests, explore hot springs, and even zip-line over the treetops. Kids will love the chance to see monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife up close, while parents can enjoy the stunning views of the volcano and surrounding mountains.
One of our favorite hotels, The Springs Resort, is also there. The Springs Resort has multiple hot springs of different water temperatures across the grounds, all fed by the Arenal River. Many of the rooms have incredibly scenic views of the Arenal Volcano, but for families, the main attraction is their Club Rio Adventure Center. This adventure center has an overwhelming amount of activities, from kayaking, tubing and horseback riding to wildlife viewing at their animal sanctuary. So if you’re near La Fortuna, definitely check out The Springs Resort! In addition to outdoor adventures, La Fortuna also offers cultural experiences, such as visits to local farms and indigenous communities. Families can learn about Costa Rican culture, history, and cuisine while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the locals.
San Pedro, Belize
Belize is typically not regarded as a popular tourist destination, but San Pedro is a destination that’s gaining popularity every year. Although it took us a 4 hour bus ride and ~2 hour ferry to get there, once we arrived we immediately felt relaxed due to the laid back vibe of the town. San Pedro is on the Ambergris Caye island in Belize and the main area only consists of a few blocks and a main north/south road. Our favorite activity was a boat tour that we took to the nearby reef where we got to snorkel. This was absolutely the most scenic and beautiful snorkeling experience that we’ve ever had. We were able to see hundreds of fish, as well as multiple nurse sharks and stingrays throughout the day. The coral was beautiful, and we were all able to enjoy it as a family. If you do make it to San Pedro, this is a must-do activity!
Aside from snorkeling, we recommend visiting Secret Beach, where you’ll get to relax and enjoy the sand and beautiful aqua-colored water. On your way back from Secret Beach you can stop by The Truck Stop, which has several food truck-style eating options, and some open areas where they often show movies and play board games. San Pedro offers multiple opportunities to relax, eat delicious food, or have amazing adventures on the water. For an in-depth guide to visiting San Pedro, check out our blog post here!
