Viator Travel Blog

Guatemala might not be what comes to mind when you think of ‘travel with kids’, but this small Central American country actually has a lot to offer when it comes to family friendly travel. Guatemala’s rich history and culture, not to mention their varied terrain and climate, make this a destination for children that’s not only fun, but educational as well. Inexpensive, ample public transportation, and lots to see, make this an ideal stopping place for families who want a little more out of their next family vacation.

When people think of vacationing to South America, they don’t often think of exploring it via cruise. However, this is starting to change as more and more travelers are realizing why seeing South America by cruise is a great way to explore the continent – whether it’s your first time in South America or your tenth.

Rio de Janeiro sells itself on images of white sand beaches with a bright city lights backdrop. The perfect blend of tropical and urban. But, it does not like to talk about how those twinkling city lights are mostly made up of favelas. Favelas, the Brazilian version of ghettos, have a reputation for being dangerous but after a day touring them I came to realize that they are the heart of Rio’s vibrant culture.

If you’re considering a South American adventure but can’t afford the time and budget restrictions, don’t completely cross it off your list. Get the best the continent has to offer without sacrificing a second of action by visiting Ecuador- the country that has it all.

In Costa Rica, you are never far from a volcano, coffee, or handicrafts, and this day trip from San José took us to all three, in the comfort of a small tour.

“A commissioned piece of graffiti on your home can actually raise the value of your home in Buenos Aires,” she says in a factual manner.  As my brain catches up with my ears, I interrupt our guide and say, “What, can you repeat that last part about increasing the value of your home?”

Meet Kevin O’Brien, one of Viator’s local experts in Panama with a license to provide private tours.

The Andes are one of the greatest mountain ranges in the world. With an average elevation of 12,000 feet, the range stretches for 4500 miles, from the southern tip of South America all the way up to Panama. In Ecuador, they run the length of the country and vivisect it into three distinct regions, divided by two parallel ranges: the Cordillera Occidental (the western range) and the Cordillera Oriente (the eastern range). Between the ranges are fertile valleys known as the Andean Highlands, where civilizations have cultivated the land for thousands of years. Here are a few places worth a visit within this fascinating landscape.

If you’re in Santiago and want to know what people really eat, try a local food and drink tour that takes you through Santiago’s main market. The Vega and the buildings around it are a sprawling affair, with alleys and cross streets and friendly butchers occasionally holding up cow hearts, and a colorful assortment of fruit and vegetables. And I even though I live in Santiago, I decided to take a Small-Group Santiago Food and Market Tour Including Mercado Central, which is essentially a tasting tour of central Chile, with a splash of colorful stories, a brief historical overview, and a bonus walk through the flower market.

Welcome to the 2012 Viator Travel Awards: Central and South America Edition! In the past, we’ve focused on specific tours for each item on this list, but this year we thought we’d feature some of the top things to do in 25 of the most exciting places to visit in the region.