South America

Top 13+ Best Things to Do in Santa Fe (Argentina)

Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz is the capital city of Santa Fe province in northeastern Argentina. Partly surrounded by rivers, the city has waterfront walkways with cafes and views of the Puente Colgante suspension bridge. Sightseeing cruises navigate the Paraná River and its extensive network of tributaries. Landmarks dating as far back as the 17th century dot the central historic district.

Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz (or just “Santa Fe”) is a totally underrated capital city located along the Paraná River. With a beautifully modern suspension bridge, a revamped costanera or waterfront walkway, and lots of well-preserved colonial buildings, you’ll find that it’s a very livable place with friendly people too.

Santa Fe retains its historic charm with landmarks that date back to the 17th century, as well as great city squares and parks with plenty of outdoor space.

Home to a university population, several great bars and restaurants, and excellent museums, the city is both relaxed and modern. Santa Fe has great warm and sunny weather most of the year and lots of nature within its grasp, so you can cruise the river by boat, visit the nearby ecological reserve, or relax on one of the city’s many public beaches.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Santa Fe:

1. Visit the Suspension Bridge and Riverfront

Puente Colgante

An obligatory stop in Santa Fe, be sure to stroll the waterfront’s costanera to see town’s iconic suspension bridge, Puente Colgante, and great views of the coast.

At night, the bridge is illuminated with colored lights, but day or evening this is one of the most beautiful places in town.

Lots of locals hang out in the recently renovated areas and rollerblade, skateboard, cycle, or walk their dogs along the promenade.

On Sundays, artisans and antique dealers ply their wares and food vendors set up shop for the crowds.

Have a drink nearby with views of the palm tree-lined river or take a walk to see the lighthouse.

2. Museo Histórico Provincial Brigadier General Estanislao López

Museo Histórico Provincial Brigadier General Estanislao López

This 17th-century house turned museum is a National Historic Monument that displays artifacts from colonial times gone by and the Argentine civil wars.

It’s filled with well-preserved items like the possessions of provincial governors and fine furnishings of viceroys who once ruled the area.

There’s religious art, beautiful architecture, uniforms, weapons, musical instruments, and everyday objects like crockery and utensils that’ll give you an idea of life and customs in colonial Argentina.

Entrance is free, and you should opt for the guided tour to get the most out of your time here. Source: Museo Histórico Provincial de Santa Fe / facebook

3. Cruise the Paraná River

Paraná River

Book a boat trip to cruise the Paraná River from the port in Santa Fe.

You can hop onboard a catamaran with the Costa Litoral company and travel through the islands or take a trip to the nearby city of Paraná.

You’ll hear interesting information about the river from a guide and get to see the town’s iconic suspension bridge from a new angle.

Sunset cruises are a great option for a glimpse of the city from the water in the evenings and photographs of the light shimmering off the riverfront.

The boat has a bar and canteen serving up hot and cold food during your journey.

4. Tour the Cervecería Santa Fe

The Cervecería Santa Fe

The Santa Fe Brewery was founded along the Paraná River because the high quality river water here is easy to filter for beer making purposes.

Cervecería Santa Fe has been here since 1912, and they brew their beer of the same name, Santa Fe lager, as well as Budweiser and Heineken.

Free brewery tours are available in the evenings so you can see how the beer is made and visit the processing facility and a little museum.

Then you’ll do a beer tasting on the patio where you can order some picadas (plates of snacks like olives, meats, and cheeses) at good prices.

The beer garden is a great place to hang out for a while after the tour. Source: Matias Hernandez / Wikimedia

5. Plaza 25 de Mayo and Peatonal San Martin

Plaza 25 De Mayo

As you wander the city’s historic area, be sure to check out Plaza 25 de Mayo.

The Casa de Gobierno is pretty magnificent, and the plaza is filled with palm trees, fountains, flags, and monuments.

While it’s surrounded by bars and restaurants, you’ll also see the Casa de Justicia, the Catedral de Santa Fe, and the Jesuit Iglesia de la Compañía.

Feed the pigeons, do some people watching, and have a look at the architecture before walking amongst the remaining restored colonial buildings around the plaza and Avenida San Martin.

Just a few blocks north, you’ll find a lovely commercial peatonal (pedestrian street) that’s lined with terraces, cafes, and more palm trees.

Best 13+ Places to Live in New Mexico

6. Convento y Museo de San Francisco

Convento Y Museo De San Francisco

Just around the corner from Plaza 25 de Mayo, you’ll find one of the only true “tourist attractions” in the city.

This Franciscan convent was completed in 1680 and the original building, church, and interior courtyard gardens are beautifully preserved.

There’s a small museum with religious artifacts, wax figures, and furnishings from colonial times, and you can still attend mass here.

Fun fact, the intricate wooden roof of the church was constructed by local indigenous people without using a single nail. Source: Silvana Stinson / facebook

7. Eat Fresh Fish From the River

El Quincho De Chiquito

The local delicacy here is, of course, freshly caught fish from the Paraná River.

Santa Fe is great place to take a break from all of the steak you’ve been eating in Argentina.

There are plenty of places to get tasty fish in town, but El Quincho de Chiquito is one of the most popular.

It’s a big restaurant located on the river with tons of photos on the walls and a menu full of fish.

They’re served grilled, fried, or breaded alongside glasses of beer, empanadas, and other side dishes.

La Vuelta del Pirata is also popular with tourists for serving fresh fish in a variety of ways with great views of the water.

Pacú Restó is a hidden spot located in the Ribera Shopping Mall that’s popular with locals and the portions are huge. Source: El Quincho de Chiquito / facebook

8. See a Fútbol Match

Estadio 15 De Abril

There’s nothing like getting involved in local sports to really immerse yourself in the culture of a place.

Get in on the excitement with a visit to Estadio 15 de Abril during a home fútbol match.

It’s the nicest stadium in town, built in 1929 with room for 26,000 people, and home to the Club Atlético Unión.

Located along Boulevard Pellegrini near Parque Juan de Garay, you can buy tickets to cheer on the rojiblancos (red and whites) with the local fans here.

Be prepared for streamers, flags, banners, and a rowdy time.

Lots of famous players and international players have also hit the field at the city’s historic Estadio Brigadier General Estanislao López, home to Club Atlético Colón, but the area there can be a little more sketchy.

9. Hit the Beaches

Paraná River

While Santa Fe is located along a river, that doesn’t stop the locals from hitting the beaches.

With some of the best weather in the country, the city attracts Argentines who want to spend some time in the sun and sand along the water.

There are several public beaches along the Paraná River and Setubal Lagoon, but if you want amenities check out one of the balnearios (bathing clubs). There are watersports and beach activities available as well as restaurants and bars on site.

Or you could check out one of the buzzing beach bars like Parador KiteBeach or Laguna Parador Beach.

10. Visit the City of Paraná

Just hop across the river and you’ll be in another province entirely.

Lots of Sante Fe residents cross the bridge to spend holidays and weekends along the beaches of Paraná, a city in the neighboring Entre Ríos province.

You can drive or take a boat here from the port to check out the islands, riverside cliffs, and sandy beaches that make this spot a popular destination.

There’s plenty of swimming, windsurfing, fishing, kayaking, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and motor boating to be done around here.

The city features different architectural styles, from big old colonial homes to modern designs.

Take in the costanera, Plaza 1 de Mayo and the majestic cathedral, plus the enormous Parque Urquiza with its many walking trails and river views.

11. Rosa Galisteo de Rodriguez Fine Arts Museum

Rosa Galisteo De Rodriguez Fine Arts Museum

This fine arts museum is housed in a magnificent rose-colored building located in the historic part of town, and entry is free so stop in and have a look.

With an expansive permanent collection of paintings, drawings, engravings, ceramics, and sculptures, you can browse over 2,500 contemporary and classic works.

It displays local, national, and international artists, with a focus on 20th-century Argentina, and there are temporary traveling exhibits as well.

The space contains a library and serves as a cultural space for many shows, performances, and workshops – check their Facebook page to see what’s on while you’re here. Source: Museo Rosa Galisteo / facebook

12. Parque Juan de Garay

Parque Juan De Garay

A beautiful green space and recreational park in Santa Fe, lots of local families spend time here with their children and dogs.

You’ll find flower gardens, lakes, play areas and games for kids, gazebos, and plenty of places to picnic.

In the summer, the park often hosts live music, festivals, art exhibits, and plays – there’s even an amphitheater inside.

Many folks use the area for exercise or taking advantage of the little boats that you can paddle around the lake.

There are plenty of birds around here, and you can even feed the ducks if you like.

Be sure to take mosquito repellant and avoid the area at night as the lighting is poor and theft can be a problem.

13. Reserva Ecológica

Reserva Ecológica

Put on some bugspray and sunscreen and hit the trails of this beautiful ecological reserve on the other side of the river! A bit of nature in the middle of a big city, you can bring the whole family to spot birds, butterflies, and other animals native to the littoral area.

The park is equipped with facilities for picnicking beside the water, and there are several walking routes you can choose from (depending on your nature-based interests!) with a few explanatory signs along the way.

The land is conserved by the city and the local Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Source: Cultura Inglesa, VT / facebook

14. El Museo Etnográfico y Colonial Juan de Garay

El Museo Etnográfico Y Colonial Juan De Garay

Located near the Parque General Manuel Belgrano, be sure to swing by this museum to get the full picture of the region’s past, from prehistoric inhabitants to indigenous cultures to colonial times.

You’ll also find miniature scale models of Santa Fe La Vieja, the original city of Santa Fe that was founded in present-day Cayastá in 1573 and moved to its current location in 1653 due to flooding.

Learn about the natives’ first contact with the Spaniards who came with the city’s founder, Juan de Garay (the guy whose name is all over the place here). Be sure to wander around the renovated colonial buildings in the area, and if you’re interested in Santa Fe La Vieja, you can visit the actual archeological site north of the city. Source: Museo Etnográfico y Colonial “Juan de Garay” / facebook

15. Shopping Malls, Casinos, and Entertainment

After you’ve soaked up all of the city’s history, check out its modern, bustling commercial and entertainment zones.

La Ribera Shopping Mall is located on the water right next to the movie theater and city casino, so you can definitely find something that strikes your fancy here for an afternoon or evening.

The casino isn’t anything to write home about, but it has plenty of games and a couple of higher end dining options, including a terrace restaurant.

If you want something a little fancier, check out the shopping along the peatonal San Martin or Shopping Station Recoleta, which is surrounded by tree-lined streets and trendy cafes.

Another evening entertainment option is taking in a performance at the Teatro Municipal de Santa Fe, a beautiful old theater with great acoustics and a range of plays and concerts.

Top 13+ Best Things to Do in San Miguel de Tucumán (Argentina)

Leave a Comment

San Miguel de Tucumán is the capital city of Tucumán province in northwest Argentina. Independence Square, the city’s busy hub, is home to a neoclassical cathedral and the grand, art nouveau Government House.

Museo Casa Padilla, the former home of a prominent local family, has 19th-century furniture and art. The Museo Casa Histórica de la Independencia commemorates Argentina’s emancipation from Spanish rule in 1816.

One of the more urban and modern cities in Argentina, San Miguel de Tucumán has been called the “Garden of the Republic” due to its role in the country’s fight for independence. The city contains the building where independence from Spain was first declared, and its streets are full of history.

Aside from remnants of those days and a few impressive churches, tourist destinations within the fifth-largest city in Argentina are relatively few. Filled with boutiques, street art, and a distinctly more cosmopolitan feel than other cities in the north of the country, most people venture just outside of Tucumán for their activities.

A yellow-toned, colonial facade defines the San Francisco church, which houses the first Argentinean flag. The Provincial Folk Museum, set in a colonial house, features musical instruments, pottery and textiles. Nearby, the Timoteo Navarro Museum exhibits fine art. The displays, among other things, work by the distinguished artist Lola Mora.

The green spaces of the 9th of July Park sprawl over many blocks, with monuments, restaurants and a lake. Within the park, the Casa del Obispo Colombres is the Sugar Industry museum detailing the region’s sugar-cane industry.

Take a hike through the surrounding yunga forests, visit archaeological ruins, and wander villages filled with indigenous culture. Then return to the city to uncover its museums, parks, cafes, and local cuisine.

Let’s explore the best things to do in San Miguel de Tucumán:

1. Plaza Independencia

Plaza Independencia

Enjoy lots of important historical sites at once from your seat on a bench in the city’s main square, Plaza Independencia.

Constructed during the colonial times, you can sit amongst native flowers and orange trees and maybe catch an occasional protest from residents trying to get the attention of their representatives.

The plaza was originally built for government buildings and the city’s cathedral, so you’ll see La Casa del Gobierno and the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación here as well.

You’ll easily spy the Statue of Liberty in the center, created by artist Lola Mora, and the Casa Padilla, a National Historic Monument.

The square has modernized with the times, and now it’s also filled with bars, restaurants, and museums

2. Casa de Tucumán

Casa De Tucumán

The Congress of Tucumán declared Argentina’s independence from the Spanish Crown in this very house in 1816. Painted a bright white, this colonial home was used by the revolutionary government for meetings – they even knocked out an interior wall to make more room for their sessions.

Now visitors can tour this once private house to learn more about the city of Tucumán’s role in the battle for Argentine independence and see the room (kept in its original state) where the declaration was made.

Tours are super helpful and informative, especially if you don’t speak Spanish, and there’s even a light show each night at this historic spot.

Top 13+ Best Things to Do in Santa Fe (Argentina)

3. Try the Local Gastronomy

Empanadas

Home to some of the best empanadas in Argentina, check out Tucumán’s empanada shops and restaurants all over the city and neighboring villages.

Empanadas tucumanas are usually fried and contain fillings of beef, chicken, or tripe.

There’s even an official “Ruta de la Empanada Tucumana” with a map of 27 spots to try empanadas in the city alone (plus more in the nearby towns of Yerba Buena and Famaillá). Every February, Famaillá holds the National Empanada Festival during which thousands of people visit the city to consume more than 400,000 of these delicious treats.

But besides these little packets of goodness, try more regional favorites here like locro, goat, and tamales.

The city is famous for its sugarcane production too so you’ll find lots of local sweets here.

4. Tour the Yungas

Yerba Buena

Outside of the city the scenery becomes lush and green, so take at least an afternoon to explore it on your own or with a tour company.

The Yungas are a humid tropical and subtropical forest region with tons of biodiversity that you can travel through on the Circuito Chico.

This popular tourist trail features the picturesque town of Yerba Buena, the ravines and grandiose mansions of Villa Nougues, and the hills and statue of San Javier.

You could also include trips to the forests of Raco or the monastery at El Siambon.

There are views for days, photo stops, and detours to trek to a waterfall or visit the Cadillal Dam along the way as well.

5. Parque 9 de Julio

Parque 9 De Julio

There’s actually so much to do in the city’s largest park, Parque 9 de Julio, that you could spend a whole afternoon here.

Aside from the lake and its many trails for running and walking, you’ll also find statues, a rose garden, a flower clock, and university buildings.

In the center, be sure to visit the Casa del Obispo Colombres, the former beautiful colonial home of a bishop which is now the Museo de la Industria Azucarera, a museum detailing the sugarcane industry of Tucumán.

The park itself is filled with bars, restaurants, and cafes, so you could picnic in the grass or just stop at one of the many establishments already here. Source: wikimapia.org

6. Parque Sierra de San Javier

Parque Sierra De San Javier

To appreciate the size of Tucumán and just how green the surrounding valleys are, visit Parque Sierra de San Javier.

Known for its impressive statue of Cristo Bendicente with his arm outstretched in blessing, this scenic hill and landmark are located just outside of Yerba Buena and you can take the public bus (colectivo) or drive to get here.

A popular tourist spot, you’ll frequently find vendors selling souvenirs in the area and kiosks with snacks.

Bring a picnic and just chill, or visit the tiny museum beneath the statue.

Stay for sunset if the weather’s nice to see the city light up below! If you’re interested in paragliding, many takeoffs happen from this park, so make arrangements with companies in the city. Source: es.wikipedia.org

7. Dique El Cadillal

Dique El Cadillal

For a little breather from the busyness of the city, drive 20 minutes out to this peaceful reservoir surrounded by forests.

The calm waters are created by the Celestino Gelsi Dike set just inside the Medina Mountains and Medici Hill.

An oasis for tourists created in 1965, these shores have nice restaurants and outdoor bars, plus campsites where you can stay the night next to the reservoir.

It’s a hotspot for watersports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking, plus you can do plenty of walking, fishing, and mountain biking around the water which reaches up to 220 feet (67 meters) deep.

Tourists can visit the roman-style amphitheater on the banks of the reservoir or check out the Museum of Archeology nearby.

For magnificent views, head up the hills in the aerosillas (chairlifts) of El Cadillal.

8. Make the Trip to Tafí del Valle

Tafí Del Valle

One of the cool little towns located in the Calchaquí Valley outside of Tucumán, it’s a must-visit for anybody looking for a bit of nature, history, and gastronomy.

Its name translates to “Town with a Splendid Entrance” and the village attracts tourists who want to see the well-preserved 18th-century Jesuit architecture here.

Visitors can also walk along the mountain trails, ride a horse in the hills, or stroll through the town’s quaint cobblestone streets to purchase handicrafts.

Tafí del Valle is also part of the country’s Ruta del Queso (Route of Cheese), and you’ll find artisanal cheese factories and craft cheese shops in town.

Recipes were said to be brought by the Jesuits long ago, and the village even hosts the National Cheese Festival in February.

9. Visit the City’s Churches

Catedral De San Miguel De Tucumán

There’s a few magnificent churches in town if you’re a fan of cathedrals, architecture, and religious art.

From the main square, you’ll see the Catedral de San Miguel de Tucumán with its two towers, red domes, sculptures, colonial Baroque details, and painted ceilings.

Two blocks away the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Merced contains murals and stained glass windows that tell the story of Argentine independence.

War hero General Manuel Belgrano famously named the Virgin of la Merced as the patron saint of the Argentine army and you’ll see evidence of this within the church.

The Parroquia San Francisco is a colonial style church that’s passed from the Jesuits to the Dominicans to the Franciscans over the years, and though it’s been neglected a bit in terms of maintenance, it’s still a beautiful historic monument with important relics inside.

10. Visit the Valleys and Archeological Ruins

Quilmes Ruins

The many ruins of the Calchaquí and Choromoros valleys surrounding Tucumán are perhaps the most impressive and substantial in Argentina.

Drive yourself or book a tour to make stops for archeology, nature, and history in the villages around the city.

The Quilmes Ruins are remnants of an indigenous village which began in 800 BC and achieved a high level of sophistication, growing to a society of thousands of inhabitants and building a fortress which you can still see parts of today.

You may also visit El Pichao with its archaeological museum and small community of self-sufficient families who are known for producing handmade jams from local ingredients.

El Mollar is a popular stop for its stone monoliths and walls dating back over 2500 years.

11. Visit Amaicha del Valle

Amaicha Del Valle

You could tack this pleasant village onto your tour of the valleys and ruins, or you could make a day trip to experience it at a leisurely pace.

The town draws tourists who want to immerse themselves in indigenous culture and history as well as the multicolored valleys located here.

Aside from the ruins of Quilmes, Amaicha del Valle boasts native festivals, handicrafts, artwork, and cuisine.

Try the foot-pressed wine (eau de vie or mistela), alfajores, and quesillos, and buy some hand-woven textiles.

There’s a large museum dedicated to Pachamama, or mother earth, where you can see many traditions of the Diaguita and Calchaquí cultures as well as their artwork.

This town holds the annual Festival of Pachamama during February when you can experience singing, dancing, native folklore, and music in the streets.

Nearby El Remate is also great for trekking, swimming, and visiting the waterfall.

12. Feria de Simoca

Feria De Simoca

A true local market, don’t go if you’re squeamish about freshly killed livestock.

This is a fabulous place to sample authentic dishes at cheap prices directly from the hands that made them.

Grab some typical snacks and wander the variety of fresh produce, farm animals, and massive blocks of locally made cheeses on offer while you do some people watching.

There are plenty of plastic tables where you can buy a drink and have a seat with your empanadas, tamales, or platters of grilled, greasy meats.

The market also has handicrafts for sale and llamas all dressed up for photos.

13. Visit Rio Hondo Hot Springs

Take a dip in some of the most famous hot springs in Argentina, located 54 miles (86 km) from Tucumán.

It’s an all day affair but the complex surrounding the thermal baths has plenty to keep you occupied when you’re not soaking.

Test the restorative waters of these 14 mesothermal groundwaters which are thought to relax the body and aid with lung, rheumatic, and digestive issues.

Visit the nearby restaurants for the local speciality – roasted baby goat raised in the local province of Santiago del Estero.

There’s also a shopping mall, revamped waterfront area, and a casino just next to the hot springs.

14. Parque Nacional Campo de Los Alisos

Parque Nacional Campo De Los Alisos

About two hours outside of Tucumán, this relatively new national park is a great destination if you love wildlife and being outdoors (and especially if you’re driving yourself). There’s trekking and climbing, as well as a ton of species of birds like the Andean condor and Peregrine falcon.

Harder to spot are the ocelots, wolves, pumas, and foxes within this transitional Yunga forest landscape.

Free campsites are available as well as a refugio for hikers within the park, but other than that the infrastructure for tourists is pretty limited.

If you’re up for a five to seven day trekking journey, you can arrange a guide to take you in search of La Ciudacita, the ruins of an ancient Inca precinct that can be found within the park. Source: www.welcomeargentina.com

15 La Cascada del Rio Noque

La Cascada Del Rio Noque

Bring a bathing suit and do this short, easy walk to a waterfall and clear pools where you can swim.

You can make this trip even without your own car by taking the colectivo (public bus) which goes into Parque Sierra San Javier and past the statue of Christ.

Follow the downhill path through the Yungas to enjoy the forest and arrive at the beautiful waterfall.

There are no cafes or kiosks for food, so bring your own and relax for a while – some locals stay all day.

It’s a popular spot on the weekends, so if you’re looking for peace and tranquility, check it out on a weekday. Source: www.tucumanturismo.gob.ar

Best 16 Tours of Easter Island (Real Facts, Things to do)

Leave a Comment

The remote volcanic island of Polynesia is Easter Island, a Chilean territory. Rapa Nui is his native name. It is famous for its archeological sites, with nearly 900 monumental statues known as moai, created in the 13th and 16th centuries by inhabitants.

Easter is world famous for massive figures of stone with mysterious origins that have been standing as century-old sentinels looking over the sea on the Chilean coast in the southeastern Pacific.

Almost 900 statues exist and are located in the Rapa Nui National Park because of the historical and cultural significance of the statues to protect them and make them available to local people as well as tourists.

It’s believed by archaeologists and historians that people of Polynesian descent came to the islands nearly 1,000 years ago, though the statues’ origins are still disputed.

The archeologists and historians are convinced that some 1000 years ago people of Polynesian descent came to the islands, although the origins of the statues remain unchallenged.

Lets Explore 16 best tours of Easter Island…

1. 4-Day Easter Island Tour

Easter Island

For those visitors to Easter Island that have four wide-open days to devote to seeing the island and its amazing sites, this tour is a perfect choice.

The tour includes a knowledgeable guide who’ll lead you and your travel companions to the Moai statues at Ahu Akivi and Akahanga.

Hotel accommodations include a choice of 3 and 4-star hotels, round-trip transportation to and from your hotel and the sites, and meals as specified on the itinerary.

The Moai statues are the tour’s highlight, but you’ll also see the bird paintings in the Ana Kai Tangata cave and the Rano Raraku volcano.

Entrance fee to the parks isn’t included.

2. Easter Island Tour of Ahu Akivi from Hanga Roa

Ahu Akivi

This three-hour tour begins with a drive to Ahu Akivi, one of the most scenic areas from which the island’s Moai figures stare off into the distant seas.

Local lore claims that these stoic figures represent the island’s colonizers that arrived many centuries ago.

The red crater at Puna Pau is also an important stop; archaeologists believe it’s the spot where the materials for many of the figure’s headpieces were quarried.

The tour also includes a stop at the lonely sentinel at Ahu Huri a Urenga that faces the winter solstice, marking an important time of the year for the natives.

Pickup and drop-off at Hanga Roa hotels are included, though entrance fees and lunch aren’t.

3. 2-Hour Sunrise at Tongariki Tour

Tongariki Sunset

Sunrise and sunset on Easter Island are amazing sights to behold, and this early-bird sunrise tour is the perfect way to start the day.

From your Hanga Roa hotel, you’ll depart to Ahu of Rapa Nui, which, due to its location, is one of the most majestic places to witness the sunrise. You’ll be accompanied by your guide and travel partners as you make your way to the site which boasts 15 Moais.

The amazing combination of shimmering sea, emerging sun, and sunlight reflecting off the stone figures is truly unique. With the time left in the tour, you’ll explore a few more gems on the island of Rapa Nui before heading back to your hotel.

4. Tour of Anakena Beach and Lost Culture of Rapa Nui

Anakena Beach

This tour of Anakena Beach and the Lost Culture of Rapa Nui will focus on the island’s eastern portion and includes the temple at Ahu Vaihu, which is comprised of massive stone platforms that act as the resting place for eight Moais.

You’ll also stop at Ahu Tongariki, which is home to 15 Moais and the island’s largest – a massive 30-foot specimen that is reported to weigh nearly 90 tons.

You’ll wonder at the skill and mechanics need to create and move such large objects, especially by a society that was supposedly much less advanced than we are today.

It’s also the spot that locals consider to be the center of the world.

5. Easter Island Caves Tour

Easter Island Caves

Once you’ve had your fill of the giant gazing statues, take a break and enjoy the island’s natural side with a cave exploration tour.

The Rapa Nui people frequented the caves and left some interesting archaeological sites behind that visitors will see.

Your local guide will give you an idea of how the caves were formed and why they were so important to the culture of the people that lived here long ago.

This tour includes round-trip transportation to and from your hotel. At only four hours, you’ll have the rest of the day to fill with other adventures and activities.

6. Rapa Nui Full-Day Tour to Anakena Beach

Anakena Beach

If you’ve got a whole day free and would like to see as many sights as possible on Easter Island, this full-day tour would be a great match.

From your guide, you’ll get an amazing historic insight into the island’s history, and the massive figures that dot its landscape staring out toward the sea.

The indigenous Rapa Nui was the island’s original inhabitants, though there’s still much that isn’t known about them.

You’ll also visit Anakena Beach, one of the island’s most beautiful with its white, sandy shore.

The tour meets at Easter Island pier and includes lunch, but not entry fees to the parks or hotel pickup and drop-off.

7. Ahu Vinapu and Rano Kao Half-Day Tour

Ahu Vinapu

Easter Island’s southwest coast is one of the most beautiful areas you’ll explore on your visit. This half-day tour begins in Hanga Roa and will include visits to a few of the most expansive ceremonial complexes.

Rano Kau volcano was revered by the stone builders; in addition to the figures they built, they also created large works of art inside nearby caves that depicted strange, man-like bird creatures.

You’ll marvel at how such large slabs of stone were fitted together with such precision as you visit these sites. You’ll also take a side excursion to the volcanic crater that serves as one of the island’s three bodies of natural water.

8. Rapa Nui Traditional Polynesian Dinner and Show

Rapa Nui Traditional Dinner And Show

Few tour-related activities capture the essence of Pacific Island and Polynesian culture like this traditional show and dinner combo.

You and your travel partners will be wowed by the dancing and music that the island has been home to for centuries. As you’re enjoying the show, your guide will describe the cultural and historical significance of what you’re seeing.

The tour lasts about four hours and conveniently includes round-trip transportation to and from your hotel.

The dinner is buffet-style and includes traditional and international cuisine. Dance lessons are available as well if you’d like to put on a show of your own.

9. Tour of Ceremonial Ana Kai and Tangata Manu

Orongo

After pickup from your hotel, this tour will depart for the caves at Ana Kai that are home to the island’s famous, stylized bird art that depicts the Manutara – or ocean swallows – that live in the vicinity.

In ancient folklore, the swallow’s egg was considered sacred and was the center of a popular island competition as well.

On this three-hour tour, you’ll have plenty of time to discover the caves’ wonders, after which you’ll head to the Vinapu archaeological site, which is notable for its especially intricate architecture and construction.

This short tour is great value and includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

10. Half-Day Archaeology Tour

Standing Moai

The south Easter Island ceremonial site at Ahu Vian is one the most visited and includes seven Moai figures that have been faced to view the rising sun.

Each of the majestic statues is nearly 17 feet tall and they’re estimated to weigh an astonishing 18 tons.

According to local legend and tradition, the statues represent the explorers who set out from their ancestral homeland to colonize new lands after guided by a spirit to do so.

Whether the legend is true or not, the island’s Polynesian colonizers were gutsy trailblazers who set out across an incredibly vast ocean to face hunger, harsh weather and uncertainty.

11. Ahu Tongarik, Rano Raraku, Anakena Beach Tour

Ahu Tongarik

This full-day tour from Hanga Roa includes all the sites that make Easter Island such a unique place.

Your guide will give guests a running narration on the amazing archaeological sites they’re seeing and how they fit into the culture and stories of the people who populated the islands long ago.

The tour’s highlights include the quarry at Rano Raraku and the ceremonial area in Ahu Akahanga.

After so much history, you’ll probably be pleased to have some time to enjoy the white, sandy beach at Anakena. Before heading back to your Hanga Roa hotel, you can enjoy a beachside BBQ lunch.

12. Full-Day Tour to Anakena

Anakena

In local lore, the white beach at Anakena was the landing point for the Polynesian explorers who colonized the island centuries ago.

It’s one of the island’s most beautiful and memorable areas; this Hanga Roa-based tour will take you and your travel partners there in style.

The tour includes stops to the island’s north and southeastern portions, which are home to some of the largest and most impressive Moai figures you’ll see on your trip.

Before heading back, guests will have the opportunity to explore a few nearby caves and do a little relaxing on a serene beach.

13. Moai Monuments Private Tour

Moai Figures

Real Facts, Things to do: Since their discovery, the Moai figures on Easter Island have enthralled visitors, who find it hard to fathom how such a supposedly primitive culture created such massive and everlasting monuments.

On this guided tour of the Moai monument sites, you’ll get a unique historical and cultural perspective from your guide as you wind your way across the island.

You’ll have ample time to get out and do a bit of exploring, and since the tour size is limited, you’ll receive a more intimate experience than others in larger tours.

No site will be left unexplored, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

14. Tahai Orongo and Rano Kau Half-Day Ruin Tour

Rano Kau

Real Facts, Things to do: The ancient ruins at Orongo are one of the area’s most well-preserved stone villages and ceremonial sites.

They’re located on the southwestern coast of the island and are convenient for those who’ve arrived by tour boat.

The tour includes a professional guide and the highlights are Rapa Nui National Park, Tahai Archaeological complex and the volcanic crater at Rano Raraku.

Since it’s important for guests to be back in time for the boat’s departure, this tour comes with a worry-free return policy.

The tour lasts approximately four hours and will give participants a great overview of the island’s past.

15. Hanga Roa History and Culture Tour

Hanga Roa

The capital of Easter Island is Hanga Roa, and this three-hour tour begins with hotel pickup there before heading off to other island hotspots.

You’ll visit the local anthropology museum that’s named after a missionary to the islands, after which you’ll stop at the Church of the Holy Cross and do a little browsing and shopping at one of the local markets that’s full of unique items made by island artisans.

The tour lasts about three hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. It’s a great way to get a crash course on the island’s history and culture.

16. Rapa Nui Stargazing

Real Facts, Things to do: In this tour Learn about how ancient Polynesians used the night sky to navigate as you gaze upon the night sky with this evening stargazing experience.

You’ll start by attending a presentation on Polynesian history and astronomy before venturing to an observation site.

Here you’ll get to check out stars and planets through telescopes and with the naked eye before a quick visit to Anakena Beach to do some night photography before returning to your hotel.

Review: it was a really late night – it was an experience not to be missed! you got picked up about 8:30 and went to the office for a ‘chalk talk’ on stars, navigation, constellations, etc. Once dark, you headed out to a remote part of the island. The clouds would come and go – but it was clear enough to see the southern cross, milky way, Orion, and much more.

They had some high powered telescopes set up and the views of the moon were amazing. The icing on the cake was a trip to a beach where 7 statues stood. They had a professional photographer who got us, the Moai, and the stars in a spectacular picture. you could not get one that good with our camera. you got back to the hotel at 1:30 am. at the end, you were really tired but it was worth every minute!

Duration – 5 hours

Top 13+ Amazing Waterfalls in Brazil

Leave a Comment

Famous for its amazing beaches, beautiful people and fanatic soccer culture, Brazil is also a wild and exotic country with lots to offer in the way of natural beauty.

It’s also home to the Amazon River and rainforests, which, along with Brazil’s high annual rainfall and dramatic changes in elevation, make the country home to countless waterfalls. Below is a list of 15 amazing waterfalls in Brazil.

1. Iguazu Falls

Source: Jakub Barzycki

Iguazu Falls

Located on the border between Brazil and Argentina in the Iguazu National Park, the waterfalls at Iguazu are comprised of nearly 300 individual falls, which are purported to have the most voluminous water flow of any falls in the world.

Located near the town of Curitaba – the capital of the Brazilian state Parana – the falls are accessible from both countries, though the majority are on the Argentinian side.

Designated as a UNESCO recognized site for their magnificence and ecological importance, the falls and national park are popular destinations for tourists to these two South American countries.

The fall’s name means ‘big water,’ and considering the fall’s scope. they’re aptly named.

2. Cachoeira das Almas Waterfall

Source: marina_css

Cachoeira Das Almas Waterfall

Located in the Tijuca National Park between Rio de Janeiro and Freguesia, Cachoeira das Almas Waterfall lies deep in the Tijuca Forest.

The area is known for its waterfalls, natural splendor, and the jagged, tooth-like rock formation that’s one of the highest in the area and the object of much native lore.

There’s a visitor’s center near the park entrance that’ll give you an overview of the topography, trails, and things you’ll want to see and do while there.

For those adventurous souls who want to burn a few calories, rock climbing, swimming, and cave exploring are available, as is a great museum.

3. Tabuleiro Waterfall

Source: Larissa Chilanti

Tabuleiro Waterfall

Considered by many waterfall aficionados to be the most alluring and breathtaking of Brazil’s many waterfalls, Tabuleiro Waterfall is found in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, in the east-central portion of the country on the South Atlantic Coast.

Ranking as the third-highest of Brazil’s waterfalls, it’s found along the Espinhasso Mountains and is best reached with a professional guide, many of whom can be hired in the surrounding towns or at the park’s headquarters.

With a fall of nearly 700 feet, much of the water dissipates into a beautiful spray before striking the pool below.

4. Buracao Fall

Source: Ronaldo tozzi / Wikimedia

Buracao Falls

At nearly 300 feet in height, Buracao Falls is another stunning waterfall in a country filled with them.

It’s located along in the Diamantina Mountains near the town if Ibicoara, in the Brazilian State of Bahia, which is in the country’s northeast along its Atlantic coastline.

Though the falls are one of the area’s main attractions, there are also accessible caves and other waterfalls in the area, some of which offer swimming, exploring and photographic opportunities that you won’t likely see again.

It’s best to go with a professional guide; the most common starting point is the town of Ibicoara.

5. Salto Sao Francisco Waterfall

Source: Luiz Ricardo Rech

Salto Sao Francisco Waterfall

At nearly 1,000 feet tall and cascading over the towering semicircular rock ledge above, Salto Sao Francisco Waterfall is another must-see when in the Brazilian state of Parana.

Due to its staggering height and the winds that rip through the falling water, much of the water atomizes before it reaches the pool below, enveloping the area in a dramatic and picturesque mist.

The falls are best reached with an experienced local guide because the roads into the park area are treacherous and not good places for tourists with rent-a-cars.

There’s also a hike from the parking area to the falls which is moderately difficult but offers multiple viewing areas from which to see the falls in all their splendor.

6. Garganta del Diablo Waterfall

Source: saiko3p

Garganta Del Diablo Waterfall

Known as the ‘Big Devil,’ or ‘The Devil’s Throat,’ the falls at Garganta del Diablo certainly get points for the most colorful and ominous name.

Distinct for its three streams of water that come together to make the falls, there are ample trails leading to different viewing areas and even a cable bridge from which you’ll get sprayed with the fall’s frothy mist and be deafened by its roar.

The falls and park can be viewed from the Brazilian and Argentinian sides, and its best to visit them from March to May or September to November if possible.

7. Santo Izidro Waterfall

Source: Iuliia Timofeeva

Santo Izidro Waterfall

Boasting a height of nearly 260 feet, Santo Izidro Waterfall is located in the Serra da Mantiqueira National Park in the Mantiqueira Mountains, which span three Brazilian states.

Located roughly equidistant between Sao Palo and Paraty, the trip can be done in a day, but it’s better experienced as an overnighter since Paraty is a place you’ll likely want to see due to its quaint atmosphere and colonial architecture which make it a perfectly relaxing coastal town.

The falls are a two-kilometer hike from the park entrance and there’s no fee to enter. Bring your camera, swimming trunks, snacks, and water, because there isn’t much else around other than natural beauty.

8. Caracol Falls

Source: Filipe Frazao

Caracol Falls

Located in a park of the same name in the idyllic town of Canela, Caracol Falls are among the most visited sites in the area.

At nearly 400 feet tall, the falls are among the largest in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul.

Due to the falls’ magnitude, to see them in all their glory, visitors must traipse up more steep stairs than it takes to scale the Eiffel Tower; if you’ve got the energy and determination, your effort will be well worth it.

For those who don’t want to break a sweat, there are much easier viewing areas along the trail.

9. Smoke Falls

Source: Larissa Chilanti

Smoke Falls

Smoke Falls are found in the Chapada Diamantina region of the state of Bahia, on the central-east coast of the South Atlantic.

Translated from English, the “Cachoeira da Fumaca” – or Smoke Falls – tower nearly 800 feet into the Brazilian sky before pouring back down to the earth below.

Named for the clouds that often envelope the falls, as the water falls, it’s often buffeted by strong winds that turn it into a thin, fog-like mist giving the falls a mystical appearance.

10. Prumirim Waterfall

Source: Adriana Machado

Prumirim Waterfall

Located near the coastal town of Ubatuba a few hundred kilometers east of Sao Paulo, Prumirin Waterfall can be seen as a day trip from either place.

Another of Brazil’s multi-tiered waterfalls, the water flow can be forceful and dangerous in the rainy season, and in the summer, it can be downright crowded.

The area is home to numerous waterfalls, some of which can only be seen after a long hike, while others are more accessible and family-friendly.

Swimming and picnic areas are plentiful and there’s ample parking near the park entrance.

11. Salto do Rio Preto Waterfall

Source: Costa Rodrigues

Salto Do Rio Preto Waterfall

One of the main draws for visitors to the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park in the Brazilian state of Goias, the Salto do Rio Preto Waterfall isn’t the easiest to find.

The trail to the falls is a nearly six kilometers long, though there are other scenic river spots closer where you’ll be able to stop for a snack or take a swim.

At nearly 400 feet tall and surrounded by largely pristine forests, the falls will make the trek worth your while; chances are you won’t have to fight any crowds, even if you go during peak season.

12. Salto Yucuma Waterfall

Source: Vanderlei52 / Wikimedia

Salto Yucuma Waterfall

Whereas some waterfalls are famous for their height, the Salto Yucuma Waterfall is renowned for its breadth.

Spanning nearly 5,000 feet from side to side, it’s the widest waterfall in the world. You won’t even notice its modest height of 50 feet when you’re struggling to see from one end to the other.

Located near the municipality of Derrubadas in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the falls should be on your itinerary if you’re anywhere in the area.

The water flow can be treacherous during the rainy season, so be careful.

13. Pe da Serra Waterfall

Source: Ciro Gomes de Freita… / Wikimedia

Pe Da Serra Waterfall

At nearly 500 kilometers from the country’s capital, Brasilia, Pe da Serra Waterfall might as well be in a different world.

Located near the town of Ubatuba, the falls are modest but beautiful. They’re conveniently nearby plenty of hotels and restaurants that’ll be pleasant stops after a day of fighting through the forest.

There are plenty of other natural and historic attractions in the area, including the Mirante Do Cristo statue of Christ opening his arms from a peak in the Serra da Mantiqueira Mountains; a sight that has become an internationally recognized icon of the country of Brazil.

14. Veu da Noiva Waterfall

Source: vitormarigo

Veu Da Noiva Waterfall

At nearly 250 tall, the Veu da Noiva Waterfall in the state of Mato Grosso shouldn’t be missed if you’re in the area. Located inside a national park chock full of natural beauty, the falls have carved their way through the surrounding rock over countless eons, forming a large lake which is a great place to take a dip.

The falls and pond are on the Coxipo River and there are trails leading from the park office to various viewing and access areas. If you’d rather not get your feet dirty, there is a viewing area not too far from the parking lot.

15. Boca da Onça Waterfall

Source: A. Duarte

Boca Da Onça Waterfall

Located near the town of Bonito in Mato Grosso, the nearly 500 feet tall Boca da Onca Waterfall is among the highest in the area. In English, the name means ‘Jaguar’s Mouth,’ but don’t worry, most visitors aren’t attacked by bloodthirsty jungle cats.

It’s best to book a tour in town, then you’ll be able to visit more than one of the area’s 10 waterfalls.

There are trails of varying difficulty to all of the falls, and though they’re all beautiful, only a few are suitable for swimming.

The area is known for its wildlife, rugged beauty and the native villages sprinkled through the forest, some of which are visited on many tours.

Top 23+ Best Things to Do in Phnom Penh (Cambodia)

Leave a Comment

To understand Phnom Penh, you need to understand its history. On April 17, 1975, a vicious military guerilla group led by heinous leader Pol Pot, drove tanks through the streets of Phnom Penh and began a reign of terror over the country. First, they removed families from their homes, separated children from their parents, turned kids into gun wielding-soldiers, and filled labor camps around the country.

The Khmer Rouge specifically targeted doctors, lawyers, artists, teachers and intellectuals- anyone who could think for themselves and possibly revolt. These people were murdered. The Khmer Rouge was in power for just 4 years. By the time the regime fell in 1979, over 2 million people were murdered. That was only 40 years ago. Today, Cambodia is been rebuilding their infrastructure, culture, and government from the ground up. What you’ll experience when you visit Phnom Penh- the former epicenter of the regime- is a city that holds dear to the traditions that survived and a society reinventing itself to push for a better future.

Today, Phnom Penh is a rather safe city full of kindhearted people. While you can still see remnants of Cambodia’s cruel recent history, you can also visit beautiful masterpieces from the country’s rich ancient history and witness the progress that has been made to move forward. There is lots to eat, plenty of shopping to do, lots of relaxing to be had, and so much history to be learned. Don’t hesitate in spending a few rewarding days in this underrated city.

Let’s have a look at the best things to do in Phnom Penh:

1. The Killing Fields

Source: SPREADWELL

The Killing Fields

The Killing Fields are emotional. It’s not a pleasant experience or even an easy one- but if you want to grasp the reality of what happened here in Cambodia, you need to see it with your own eyes.

These fields are where hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children were brought and killed. Their bodies were stacked in huge ditches in the ground where their bones still remain. The large pits with human bones and clothing sticking out from the ground have not been staged for dramatics. In fact, when heavy rains fall on these fields, more and more bones tend to rise up out of the earth.

Upon your visit to the field, you’ll be given a headset that will guide you through, painting the picture of the monstrous acts that happened here with narration and personal stories from survivors. Walk silently and respectfully as you take it all in.

2. S21 Prison

Source: paul cowell

S21 Prison

When the Khmer Rouge took power in Phnom Penh, they needed a place to gather and brutalize their victims and so they converted a high school into a torture prison. Over 4 years, 14,000 people entered this prison and only 7 survived.

Today, the prison has been turned into a museum with the photos of prisoners on the walls, torture chambers still in place, and stories depicting the reality these victims faced. In some areas of the prison, there are scratch marks on the walls and blood stained into the floor. It’s gruesome but tells an important story.

Outside of the prison, an old man has set up a table with a book he wrote about surviving the S21 prison. He is one of the only survivors and today he bravely tells his story in person.

Many people join their visits to The Killing Fields and the S21 prison into one somber day with a tuk tuk driver and then go for much-needed beers afterwards.

3. Phnom Penh Night Market

Source: vivanvu

Phnom Penh Night Market

After a rouge day of cultural sightseeing, treat yourself to the modern pleasures of Cambodian life at the Phnom Penh Night Market. Interact with cheerful vendors as you sample bites of Cambodian food. You’ll find lots of grilled meat on sticks, noodle soups, dried seafood, and fruit shakes. There will also be drinks. Nearby are plastic tables and chairs where you can gather all your goodies and have a feast.

After you’ve had your fill, wander around to the shopping sections. There is stall after stall selling clothing, jewelry, bags, shoes, dishes, hardware, and a collection of small trinkets that make for perfect souvenirs.

4. National Museum

Source: meunierd

National Museum

With ancient artifacts from the 1600s, cultural performances by Khmer dancers, stone busts of Buddhist figures, full statues of Cambodian warriors, models of traditional Khmer houses, clothing and accessories worn by modern day farmers, and more- the National Museum is a comprehensive representation of Khmer culture. Covering ancient times to present day, give yourself a few hours to absorb all of the information presented in the various galleries.

The museum itself is gorgeous, built with dark red clay bricks and roofs that spirals toward the heavens. It is surrounded by a lush green garden providing areas to sit and shade to cool you down. There are also a few pagodas in the garden with gorgeous meditating Buddha statues.

Admission is from $5-$10, depending on whether you opt for the audio guide to take you through the museum.

5. Daughters of Cambodia Visitor Centre

Source: www.daughtersofcambodia.org

Daughters Of Cambodia

In Cambodia, the sex trade is still a harsh reality. Daughters of Cambodia Visitor Centre is a place where former victims of sex trafficking have been given a chance to start over by acquiring skills and learning a trade that will lead them to a better life.

Visit the boutique where you can buy souvenirs with a cause. From fashion accessories to children’s toys, every item is handmade by Cambodian workers on the road to a bright future.

Have a seat in the café where chefs in training will whip you up a scrumptious brunch or a decadent dessert while you lounge in the air-conditioned dining room.

Afterwards, women can treat themselves to a much needed massage, manicure and pedicure.

6. The Russian Market

Source: Jeff Cagle

Russian Market

Many tuk tuk drivers will call out to you on the streets offering to take you to the Russian Market. It’s called “The Russian Market” as this was the popular area amongst Russian expats back in the 1980s. You’ll find a few “Russian” things here like Russian dolls and small Russian flags, but the bulk of the selection is classically Cambodian. You can expect to find great souvenirs like silk scarves, spices, woodcarvings, and more.

As one of the largest markets with the widest variety of goods in Phnom Penh, the Russian Market is the best market to visit if you’re short on time as you’ll find a little bit of everything here.

Bring a bottle of water with you as this market tends to tire you out with the heat.

7. Wildlife Alliance

Source: www.wildlifealliance.org

Wildlife Alliance

Rest assured, the Wildlife Alliance is an animal sanctuary and conservation center- not a zoo. Founded in 1995, this non-profit organization has been working around the world to strengthen protected areas and educate communities on conservation. In Cambodia in particular, the alliance works with anti-animal trafficking efforts and towards habitat conservation.

Here in Phnom Penh, you can take a tour with the Wildlife Alliance where you’ll visit a local fruit market to pick up fresh fruit which you’ll then hand feed to a group of rescued elephants. You’ll visit tigers, play with monkeys, and stop by the nursery where a collection of wild animals are undergoing rehabilitation.

A traditional Cambodian lunch is included, as well as pick up and drop off to and from your hotel.

8. Central Market

Source: JM Travel Photography

Central Market

This huge golden domed market in the center of Phnom Penh has literally every item you could ever want to buy while on vacation. Need sunglasses? They have hundreds. In the market for a knock-off NBA cap? They’ve got every team represented. Looking for children’s clothes to send back to your niece and nephew? Outfit them like an adorable Khmer kid. You could easily spend hours wandering this market.

When you get hungry, they’ve got row after row of Khmer food stands selling fried fish, hot soup, and an array of fried bugs and spiders.

Bring your camera as there are plenty of novel things to see here.

9. ATV Tour

Source: ChadwickWrites

ATV

Phnom Penh is the land of dirt roads, so why not explore them the right way? Hop on an ATV and go from city life to village life with the crew over at Village Quad Bike Trails.

The ATV tour starts out in the city where you ride over to the Killing Fields and the S21 prison. After your intense experience here, settle down with a calming and peaceful ride through the rural villages of Phnom Penh. You’ll pass by farmers in the bright green rice paddies, traditional Cambodian houses, cows grazing, kids playing, and birds chirping. You can stop by some village shops to buy some goodies before you head back to base.

The entire tour lasts about 4 hours and you can choose to go on a morning tour or afternoon tour.

Pro Tip: The morning tour will offer lower temperatures in the dry season, and dryer temperatures in the rainy season.

10. The Royal Palace

Source: PlusONE

Royal Palace

Built in the 1860’s, this opulent palace has since served as the royal residence in Phnom Penh, discounting a brief point of abandonment during the Khmer Rouge.

On site, there are multiple golden temples and quarters, each more beautiful than the next. The entire complex sits riverside where you can watch motorboats and paddle boats floating on by and capture some great photos of daily river life in Phnom Penh. You’ll get a chance to learn about the history of the royal family in Cambodia and the history of Phnom Penh with the help of informational plaques and guide available on site.

When you visit, dress appropriately for Buddhist culture. Women should cover their knees and shoulders while men should wear shirts with sleeves.

Included in: Best of Phnom Penh: Half-Day Private City Tour

11. Silver Pagoda

Source: RPBaiao

Silver Pagoda

This gorgeous Buddhist temple represents the epitome of South East Asian culture. From the shiny golden roof to the monks dressed in bright orange, the Silver Pagoda brings everything you envisioned about Cambodia to life.

Once approaching the entrance of the temple, you’ll realize why this temple is called the “Silver Pagoda”. The floor is covered in 5,000 glittering silver tiles as a gift to Buddha. To protect these tiles, you cannot walk on them but you can look.

Head up the grand staircase and you’ll be led to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha who is sparkling in 2086 diamonds. As if that wasn’t lavish enough, this Buddha sits next to an 80kg bronze Buddha, a pure gold Buddha, and a silver-gold Buddha, each with its own story to tell.

12. Wat Phnom

Source: kikujungboy

Wat Phnom

You won’t find many hills in Phnom Penh, and certainly not many covered in grass and trees. That’s what makes Wat Phnom so special. Sitting atop a 27 meter-high grassy knoll with scattered trees is Wat Phnom, a pagoda that is said to have first been built in the 1300’s. Climb the wide staircase lined with Buddha statues and lions and you’ll be met with a traditional temple with an extraordinary purpose.

Home to 4 statues of Buddha, Wat Phnom now serves as a place for local school kids to pray to Buddha for good marks on their school exams and for gamblers to pray for good luck in the casino. Try it out for yourself- it couldn’t hurt.

13. The Old Market

Source: Mick2770

Old Market, Phnom Penh

Rise and shine, kiddos. The vendors are up at 5am waiting to sell you some delicious fruit.

The Old Market, also known as Phsar Chas, is an authentic Cambodian market known to the locals as the best produce shopping spot. If you want to taste truly fresh and organic mangoes or jackfruit- this is the place.

Located in the Old French Quarter next to the river, this market is the perfect place to start your morning. Sit on a bench with your fresh finds and watch morning traffic zooming motorbikes and food stalls feeding workers on their way to work.

14. The Olympic Market

Source: GuillaumeG / Wikimedia

Olympic Market

If you were thinking of having a dress or custom bed sheets made, then you’re going to need to pick out some fantastic fabrics at the Olympic Market. With three levels and hundreds of fabric stalls, take your time feeling your way through. You can haggle with the vendors and also ask them for advice in choosing the right fabric for your intended design.

You’ll come across a few tailors in the plaza who can create what it is that you’ve dreamed up. If you can’t spot a tailor on your own, ask the fabric vendors where to find one and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Don’t forget to check out some of the food carts that line the market, catering towards the local vendors- this is how you find some of the most authentic Khmer dishes.

15. Friends the Restaurant

Source: facebook.com

Friends The Restaurant In Phnom Penh

Taco Salads, Sun-dried Tomato Hummus, Khmer Style Scotch Egg, Seared Snapper…these are only a few of the gourmet dishes you can dig into at Friends the Restaurant in Phnom Penh.

In addition to having some of the best western food in Phnom Penh, this restaurant serves at a training school for young Cambodians to learn skills in hospitality, cooking, and beyond. Many of these young people come from rough backgrounds, some of whom have even lived on the streets. Now, they have been given an opportunity to create a promising future.

This restaurant in consistent in incredible service by young people who are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve and interact with you.

16. Visit Silk Island

Source: amnat30

Silk Island

All of those silk scarves and cotton tops you see in the markets around Cambodia- most of them come from Silk Island. Also known as Koh Dach, this small island in the middle of Phnom Penh serves as a unique way to see the rural side of Cambodia without traveling far outside the city.

Many locals here live in traditional Cambodian teak wood houses on dirt roads. You’ll notice that almost every house has a silk spinning machine under their home where women are busy hand-making these gorgeous accessories.

On the island is a silk factory where caterpillars produce silk and staff harvest them. Take a tour by the factory guide and buy silk products for a fraction of the price. Afterwards, ask the locals to point you in the direction of the yummy (and cheap) local riverside restaurant. Have an authentic meal then jump in the river with your clothes on as the locals do.

Bring a bicycle or motorbike as the best way to explore the island.

17. Sisowath Quay Boardwalk

Source: laranik

Sisowath Quay

Visit the boardwalk in the evening and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the orange sun setting over the city. The boardwalk is lined with comfy benches where you can rest as vendors, both adult and adolescent, come up to you selling peanuts, popcorn, beer, coconuts, and more. Keep you beer or soda cans to give to can-collecting kids passing by.

On the main street across from the boardwalk, you’ll find both Khmer and Western restaurants, as well as bars serving ice-cold Ankor beer. There are shops to get your shoes repaired, keys made, passport photos taken, hair cut- the whole lot.

18. Dine in the Dark

Source: facebook.com

Dine In The Dark, Phnom Penh

Try something new for dinner. Dine in the Dark is a unique concept where you sit in a completely blacked out restaurant while you are served meals in total darkness.

Servers bring you a 4-course meal, which you will never see- only taste. Without sight, your other senses become heightened, creating a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. All the dishes are gourmet, and vegetarian options are available.

The concept of Dine in the Dark in Phnom Penh is supported by the reality that there are nearly 15,000 blind people in Cambodia who eat this way each and every day. Dine in the Dark is an organization that gives disabled people in Cambodia equal working opportunities while offering guests a rare perspective.

20. Phocea Mekong Cruises

Source: Mark52

Mekong Cruise, Phnom Penh

Whether it’s romance you seek or adventure you’re after, there’s no better way to fulfill your desires than a sunset river cruise. Phocea Mekong Cruises has a variety of river cruises on the Mekong to choose from.

The Sunset Cocktail River Cruise offers an onboard BBQ with local ingredients and traditional Khmer sides, along with cocktails and wine. Eat slowly as you pass the Royal Palace and watch the sun go down over the river. This cruise lasts about 2 ½ hours and is perfect for couples and groups.

There are also destination cruises to choose from that take you to places such as the former capitol of Cambodia called Udong, Silk Island, and even multi-day cruises up to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.

Recommended cruise: Mekong River Sunset Cocktail Dinner Cruise

21. Bear Care Tour

Source: freethebears.org

Free The Bears, Phnom Penh

Sun Bears and Moon Bears are indigenous to Asia, but their habitats are slowly being destroyed. Free the Bears is a sanctuary that focuses on bear habitat conservation and preservation of the species. That means baby bears.

When you visit the center, you can see the happy bears playing in their enclosed forest habitats, and learn what the bears eat. You’ll make snacks for the bears and then hide the snacks within their enclosure for them to forage and find later.

This is an all-day trip from 8am to 5:30pm and includes lunch and transportation.

22. David’s Restaurant – Handmade Noodles

Source: facebook.com

David’s Restaurant

You’ve never had noodles this fresh. Enjoy handmade dumplings and artisan noodles when you dine at David’s Restaurant in Phnom Penh. Ingredients here are super fresh and each meal is made from scratch. The dumpling soup is one of the most popular and most recommended dishes here.

Outside of noodles, the traditional Amok Curry with rice is phenomenal and the fresh spring rolls are a must-try. There is also Cambodian draft beer on tap.

To top it all off, the service in on point and the waiters speak impressive English.

23. Spa Day

Source: facebook.com

Bliss Spa Cambodia

With all the tension from traveling and the trauma from the Khmer Rouge information sessions, you deserve to relieve some stress at Bliss Spa Cambodia.

Go all out with a lavish 2-hour experience including a body scrub with Himalayan salts, an aroma massage, and a scalp massage.

For the “Royal Indulgence”, spend 3 hours with an herbal steam treatment, a body scrub, a Balinese massage, and a rejuvenation facial.

There are Khmer Massages, detox treatments, and even massages for babies. This place does it all for great prices, in a truly serene environment and by professional relaxation specialists.

25. Volunteer with CHOICE

Source: facebook.com

Choice Cambodia

The saying goes in Cambodia, “kids are not zoo animals”.

Many visitors come to Cambodia with a good heart and pure intentions to help the needy, particularly children. This, however, has given birth to a profitable industry of orphanage scams. With the influx of western tourists looking to volunteer, hundreds of “orphanages” have popped up and needlessly filled with children. The estimate is that 70% of these children have at least 1 parent and are essentially being rented from their families for western volunteers to play with and unknowingly, exploit.

If you want to make a positive impact during your time in Cambodia, instead, volunteer with trusted and transparent organizations like CHOICE who aim to provide resources to Cambodia’s poorest communities. You can join CHOICE on village trips where they collect water and food and then deliver them to villages in need. No photos and no “playing with the kids” are offered on these trips. Instead, you’ll donate $15 to the organization to keep the resources coming and leave with an insight into how an invisible population struggles to survive in South East Asia.

A rule of thumb for Cambodia: any organization that let’s strangers come and play with their kids does not have the kids’ best intentions in mind.

< a>

25 Best Things to Do in Phnom Penh (Cambodia) .