Traveling around Latin America: Top Places to see

Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia

For whom

For those who are looking for their place of power.
Las Lajas Sanctuary is a catholic church in Ipiales, a southern Colombia city near Ecuador. This Roman Catholic Basilica was built between 1916 and 1949 inside the Guaitara River Canyon. Its Gothic style harmoniously fits into the surrounding rocky landscape, which creates an atmosphere of a charming fairy tale.
Inside the church, visitors can see beautiful stained-glass windows and white columns. But the main relic of the church is an icon on a stone, which, as locals say, has healing power and helps to recover from many diseases.
What’s also important to consider, give your baby an opportunity to move. Don’t just keep them in a stroller all day, let them walk or stretch on a mat and roll around.

When to visit

The weather in the canyon remains cool throughout the year, so it's necessary to take warm clothes with you. April, May, October, and November are the rainiest months in Colombia. On January 15th, and 16th, and during Holy Week there may be more people than usual.

How to get there

The nearest major city, Popayan, is 8 hours away from the church. However, you can buy a group tour or visit this place with a personal guide.

Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

For whom

Photographers and adventure seekers.
Los Glaciares National Park is the largest national park in Argentina. The glacier occupies about 30% of its area, which makes this park memorable and stunningly beautiful.
In 1981, Los Glaciares was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the uniqueness of its flora and fauna.
In addition to the Perito Moreno Glacier, travelers can see the rocky Mount Fitz Roy, enjoy the view of Lake Roca, or go trekking, sailing, hiking, rock climbing, or fishing. The variety of possible activities makes this park attractive to almost everyone who likes outdoor activities.

When to visit

From December to February, many tourists and locals visit the park because of the sunny weather and the warmest temperatures (6-17 °C). From March to May, the sky is clear, the temperature is slightly colder (2-11 °C), but there are significantly fewer visitors. From June to August, heavy snowfalls and storms are possible here.

How to get there

You can get there by plane from Buenos Aires, Bariloche, and Ushuaia or by bus from nearby cities.

Manu National Park, Peru

For whom

Wildlife fans and enthusiasts.
If you like to spend time in unspoiled nature, Manu National Park in Peru is a chance to get acquainted with wildlife in relatively comfortable conditions! The remoteness of this place makes it less popular for tourists than the Tambopata National Reserve, so you can enjoy a quiet and peaceful atmosphere while walking in the tropical Andes or Amazonian forest.
This park was recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve, because of its diverse flora and fauna. It's divided into three zones. The cultural zone is accessible to independent tourists. Entry to the reserved zone is possible with a certified travel company. The restricted zone is closed because several non-contact tribes still live there.

When to visit

Manu Park is open all year round, but the dry season lasts there from May to September.

How to get there

You can get to Manu Park by bus or plane from Cusco to the smaller towns bordering the cultural zone. To get into the reserved zone, you will have to go by boat.

Lencois Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

For whom

Sophisticated travelers.
At first glance, this national park in northeastern Brazil looks like a white desert. But heavy rains periodically pass there and form lagoons of incredible blue, turquoise, and green colors between the rows of dunes.
Moreover, the Park is located right on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, and the water temperature is suitable for swimming all year round!

When to visit

The best time to visit Lencois Maranhenses National Park is from August to December. The rainiest months are March, April, and May.

How to get there

You can take a bus to Lencois from St. Louis or go there with a guided tour.

Moon Valley, Chile

For whom

Archaeologists and dreamers.
The Moon Valley is a part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, which includes various protected areas around the Atacama Desert region. Scientists say that this unique place looks very similar to the moon's surface.
Tourists often combine a trip to the valley with an archaeological excursion to the village of Tulor, where some of the most important and oldest monuments of the pre-Columbian era are located.
The number of visitors who can be in one of the sectors of the valley at the same time is limited. This helps to preserve such a majestic natural landmark and make trips comfortable for tourists.

When to visit

The most comfortable time to visit the valley is from December to February. From June to August, the temperature can drop below zero at night, which is worth considering, since some of the most beautiful landscapes can be seen here at sunset.

How to get there

You can get there by taxi, with a group tour or a personal guide. The nearest big city is San Pedro de Atacama.

Travel Tip

In the FindGuide team, we all love to travel, investigate non-trivial places, or find new ways to re-explore well-known attractions.
Independent travel planning is our passion, but we understand that sometimes it is impossible to immerse yourself in another culture without a local guide who can explain cultural differences or introduce you to the country's daily life.
If you need help planning your trip, you can try our app, which has already helped many tourists find a personal travel buddy and organize their dream journey!