Highlights of Gringo Trail

Below are some of the major travel highlights for Gringo Trail. For more in-depth attractions of each country on this route, click on the country names below or select a route to see the highlights on this section of the journey. Click on the icons below to focus on specific types of features (click again to return to all).

In-depth highlights: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru


Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Cultural attractions of La Paz - Rio (central route)

La Paz
La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia and at 3,600 metres is the highest capital city in the world. La Paz is nestled in a steep canyon on the Bolivian Altiplano, underneath the peak of Mount Illimani. La Paz was founded in the 16th century due to a nearby discovery of gold deposits and although the gold boom didn't last, its strategic location along the silver route ensured its prosperity. La Paz is characterised by spacious plazas, cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways, with its colourful markets being a major attraction. With a large indigenous population, the markets of interest include the Witches' Market selling potions and incantations made from herbs, seeds and other products, the Carnaval market selling colourful costumes and numerous shops selling ponchos, gloves and hats made from alpaca wool. Buildings of note in La Paz include the Palacio Legislatico, the San Francisco Cathedral and the Museo National del Arte.

La Paz

La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia and at 3,600 metres is the highest capital city in the world. La Paz is nestled in a steep canyon on the Bolivian Altiplano, underneath the peak of Mount Illimani. La Paz was founded in the 16th century due to a nearby discovery of gold deposits and although the gold boom didn't last, its strategic location along the silver route ensured its prosperity. La Paz is characterised by spacious plazas, cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways, with its colourful markets being a major attraction. With a large indigenous population, the markets of interest include the Witches' Market selling potions and incantations made from herbs, seeds and other products, the Carnaval market selling colourful costumes and numerous shops selling ponchos, gloves and hats made from alpaca wool. Buildings of note in La Paz include the Palacio Legislatico, the San Francisco Cathedral and the Museo National del Arte.

Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world. Known as the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City), its setting is almost unparalleled - crammed between stunning white beaches and soaring mountains with the peaks of Sugarloaf Mountain and the Corcovado guarding its bay. The 1,300-metre long cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain gives you spectacular views across the city and Guanabara Bay, which are matched by those on Corcovado on top of which lies the magnificent statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Back in the city, Rio's famous beaches (Ipanema, Copacabana and Leblon) are filled with sun worshippers, the colonial part of the city has many historic buildings and museums and the picturesque barrio of Santa Teresa is known as 'The Montmartre of Rio'. Its at night when Rio really comes alive though, with the samba bars of Lapa and the bars and restaurants of Ipanema and Copacabana filled with live music, energy and people having fun. The whole city goes wild with parades and parties in the week leading up to the Mardi Gras Carnival every year in February. The contrast between the opulent downtown and the poverty in the hillside favelas can be seen on a tour of Rocinha (the largest in South America). Another must-see attraction is a football game at the world famous 95,000 seat Maracena Stadium to experience the unique Brazilian football atmosphere. For quiet time away from the city's bustle, the beautiful Botanical Gardens or tropical rainforest of Tijuca National Park provides a welcome break from the concrete jungle. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world. Known as the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City), its setting is almost unparalleled - crammed between stunning white beaches and soaring mountains with the peaks of Sugarloaf Mountain and the Corcovado guarding its bay. The 1,300-metre long cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain gives you spectacular views across the city and Guanabara Bay, which are matched by those on Corcovado on top of which lies the magnificent statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Back in the city, Rio's famous beaches (Ipanema, Copacabana and Leblon) are filled with sun worshippers, the colonial part of the city has many historic buildings and museums and the picturesque barrio of Santa Teresa is known as 'The Montmartre of Rio'. Its at night when Rio really comes alive though, with the samba bars of Lapa and the bars and restaurants of Ipanema and Copacabana filled with live music, energy and people having fun. The whole city goes wild with parades and parties in the week leading up to the Mardi Gras Carnival every year in February. The contrast between the opulent downtown and the poverty in the hillside favelas can be seen on a tour of Rocinha (the largest in South America). Another must-see attraction is a football game at the world famous 95,000 seat Maracena Stadium to experience the unique Brazilian football atmosphere. For quiet time away from the city's bustle, the beautiful Botanical Gardens or tropical rainforest of Tijuca National Park provides a welcome break from the concrete jungle.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea