Argentina is one of South America's most beguiling countries. From the desert plains of the north to Patagonia's shimmering glaciers and Buenos Aires’s cosmopolitan streets, Argentina seduces travelers with its diverse geography and rich cultural heritage. Whether you want to ride horses across the Pampas with gauchos (cowboys), sip Malbec in the vineyards of Mendoza, or marvel at the mighty Iguazú Falls, you'll find no shortage of things to do in Argentina.

Blending Caribbean charm and Central American character, Belize may be best known for its laid-back palm-fringed beaches and islands. Still, there’s plenty more to this small but sweet country—including ancient Maya ruins, labyrinthine caves, and an underwater wonder world second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. While some of the best things to do in Belize are centered around Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, like snorkeling, fishing, partying, and diving the Blue Hole, the mainland has plenty on offer, too, from epic archaeological sites to ATV or horseback riding, and jaguar-spotting tours through the jungle.

Natural beauty reigns supreme in Bolivia—a country that stretches from Andean summits to lowland jungles and the Uyuni Salt Flats. Things to do in Bolivia highlight that diversity, whether you’re planning a multi-day hiking trip, watching wildlife from an eco-lodge, or cycling downhill into the lush Yungas forest. Bolivia’s colorful culture keeps pace with its dramatic backdrop, with an emphasis on proud Indigenous traditions that you can experience at local markets, energetic festivals, and La Paz museums.

From the lunar landscapes of the Atacama desert to the glistening glaciers of Patagonia, Chile is a long, thin country filled with extremes. Travelers will find an astonishing diversity of natural attractions and things to do in Chile, whether it's skiing in the Andes mountains, wine tasting in the Central Valley, exploring street art and riding funiculars in Valparaíso, or hiking around the mighty mountains, lakes, and glaciers of Torres del Paine National Park.

Whether you're a fan of architecture and history or prefer to spend your trips discovering natural wonders, you'll find lots to do in Colombia. This South American country is rich with attractions, from the tropical Rosario Islands near Cartagena to the colorful town of Guatapé, near the oft-photographed Peñol Rock monolith. Some of the best things to do in Colombia are in and around Bogota, including the historic La Candelaria neighborhood—home to many of the city’s historic attractions and museums—and the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, an easy day trip away.

At 170 miles (274 kilometers) coast to coast, tiny Costa RIca somehow contains 6% of the world's biodiversity—and countless things to do. It’s ecotourism that reigns supreme, and most travelers fill their days venturing through the country’s national parks, flitting among active volcanoes, whitewater rafting mighty rivers, gallivanting on rainforest safaris, and, of course, sun-soaking on the beach. However long you have in Costa Rica, make it longer, or prepare for a thousand reasons to return to the land of “Pura Vida.”

Cuba is an atmospheric island where colonial streets, vintage cars, and music spill into everyday life. In Havana, wander through Old Havana’s faded elegance, hear live music drifting from doorways, and watch the sun set along the Malecón. Beyond the city, Viñales Valley reveals a slower world of tobacco fields and dramatic limestone hills, while Varadero offers powder-white sand and clear turquoise seas. It’s a destination best experienced at an unhurried pace, where culture, coastline, and character blend seamlessly. 

Welcome to Ecuador, a captivating South American nation straddling the equator. Between its diverse landscapes and rich traditions, Ecuador has countless things to do. Keep things urban and explore Quito's UNESCO-listed historic center, or venture into the Amazon Rainforest, teeming with biodiversity and indigenous culture. For a haven of wildlife and natural wonders, embark on a journey to the magical Galapagos Islands. For active travelers, there are hiking adventures in the Andean highlands, including the Cotopaxi volcano.

The captivating beauty of the Galapagos Islands makes it an archipelago like no other. This remote paradise in the Pacific Ocean offers a blend of unique landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and extraordinary wildlife. Things to do are endless, including scuba diving with hammerhead sharks, snorkeling with seals, and hiking through ancient lava fields. Don’t miss out on exploring the islands’ pristine beaches, awe-inspiring volcanic formations, and getting close to native wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and penguins.

Once the epicenter of the Maya civilization, Guatemala with its culture, cuisine, festivals, and landscapes—from colorful villages around Lake Atitlan to the towering jungle-claimed temples of Tikal in the tropical north—is still steeped in rich history and tradition. While some of the best things to do in Guatemala focus more on its natural wonders—including camping under the stars on an active volcano or candle-lit water cave tours in Semuc Champey—there’s plenty of cosmopolitan charm to soak up, too, especially around Antigua and Flores.

Honduras, the second-largest country in Central America, benefits from being sandwiched between the Caribbean Sea to its north and the Pacific Ocean to its south. That means the list of things to do in Honduras ranges from sun-soaking on white-sand beaches and scaling mountains to scoping out Maya ruins at archaeological sites. You can also go snorkeling at the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, one of the world’s largest reefs, and spot exotic bird species such as the scarlet macaw in the jungle. Many visitors see Honduras via Roatan, a popular port of call for cruise ships, but that offshore island barely scratches the surface of what this tropical spot offers.

Home to soaring peaks, dramatic canyons, dense rainforests, and stark deserts, Mexico is a land of contrasts. But with thousands of miles of shoreline offering both Pacific Coast surf and Caribbean coral, some of the best things to do in Mexico are water-based. Resorts like Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta offer diving, snorkeling, beach clubs, boat parties, dinner cruises, and more. Ziplines, ATV adventures, cenotes, and Mayan ruins—including Chichen Itza—lure travelers to the Yucatan jungle, while tequila flows at fiestas like the Day of the Dead.

A strand of active volcanoes is just the beginning of Nicaragua’s hot spot status. From surf beaches to historic cities, the largest Central American country gathers the region’s iconic draws into one enchanting—if sometimes tumultuous—package. For travelers, that diversity translates to endless opportunities for exploration. A sense of adventure pays off, and things to do in Nicaragua include admiring the Spanish colonial architecture of Granada, soaking up the sunshine on the Corn Islands, hiking through the jungles of Ometepe Island, riding the Pacific Ocean waves of San Juan del Sur, and swimming in the volcano-flanked crater lake of Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve.

Panama is lush and green, filled with outstanding nature and rich cultural heritage. From sailing through the postcard-perfect islands of San Blas to exploring the laid-back beaches of Bocas del Toro and the pristine wilderness of Coiba Island, the country blends island escapes with exceptional biodiversity and adventure. In the capital region, wander the romantic cobbled streets of Panamá Viejo, where history lingers in its ruins and colonial atmosphere. Along the way, sample fresh ceviche and browse local markets for a colorful mola—a traditional textile art form created by the Indigenous Guna people of the San Blas.

When it comes to natural landscapes, Peru is a buffet of biodiversity. The sharp, snow-dusted peaks of the Andes melt into the mist-shrouded Inca sites of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley; the Amazon jungle chirrups with its chorus of wildlife; oasis-studded deserts fast become dramatically deep canyons, over which condors and eagles soar; and along the coast, the Pacific Ocean crashes and swells to create some of the world’s best surf spots. You’re never short of things to do in glorious Peru—an atmospheric wonderland of ancient history, indigenous culture, and world-class cuisine.