Back to grid

Best theme park destinations in South America

Back to grid
Gramado
Brazil’s Alpine Escape in the South
7.4
At about 850 metres in the Serra Gaúcha, the town has cool mountain air. Snowland opened in 2013 and keeps its snow mountain at minus 3 to minus 5 degrees Celsius. The mountain is 15 metres tall and has snow tubing. Mini Mundo is a theme park with a German and Oktoberfest feel.
Highlights:
  • 🍷 Explore wineries and taste local wines
  • 🚣‍♂️ Rent a pedal boat at serene Lago Negro
  • 🏰 Stroll through the enchanting Mini Mundo miniature park
São Paulo
A vibrant mix of culture and cuisine
8.0
The make-believe country at Hopi Hari has its own language, called hopês, based mainly on Portuguese. The park is in Vinhedo, about 72 kilometres from São Paulo. Montezum, a wooden coaster, reaches 103 kilometres per hour. The park opened in 1999 and runs Thursday to Sunday and on holidays.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Admire street art at colorful Beco do Batman
  • 🌳 Relax in vast green Ibirapuera Park with museums
  • 🚶‍♀️ Walk vibrant Paulista Avenue, heart of São Paulo
Fortaleza
Brazil's Vibrant Coastal Playground
6.5
Riders feel the wind rush past on Insano, a 41 metre waterslide that drops at a 70 degree angle. They reach 100 kilometres per hour in 5 seconds. Beach Park began in 1985 as a seaside restaurant in Porto das Dunas. The water park opened in 1989 in Aquiraz, near Fortaleza.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Shop for local crafts at Mercado Central
  • 🎨 Explore regional art at Dragão do Mar Cultural Center
  • 🏖️ Relax at the vibrant Praia do Futuro beach
Colombia
Where diverse landscapes meet culture
6.6
Parque del Café opened in 1995 as a coffee museum near Montenegro. Rides came later because younger visitors were not returning. La Broca, a coaster 1,050 metres long, is the longest in Colombia. An 18 metre lookout tower is made of guadua bamboo. Gondola lifts link the museum and the rides.
Highlights:
  • ☕ Enjoy Colombian coffee at plantations in Salento
  • 🥾 Hike to the Lost City deep in the Sierra Nevada
  • 🏰 Wander the colonial streets of Cartagena’s walled city
Buenos Aires
Where Tango and Culture Thrive
8.1
Parque de la Costa has more than 30 attractions on 14 hectares in Tigre, beside the Luján River. Its Boomerang coaster reaches 75 kilometres per hour. El Faro, a 35 metre tower, shows the park and the Paraná Delta from above. The Tren de la Costa, a tourist light rail line, stops at the park.
Highlights:
  • 🎭 Tour the grand Teatro Colón and admire its opulence
  • 🎨 Stroll through colorful Caminito Street in La Boca
  • 💃 Watch a passionate tango performance in San Telmo
Santiago
A vibrant city between mountains
7.4
Fantasilandia is set to close in Parque O'Higgins in summer 2027, after almost 50 years there. Raptor, a looping coaster with hanging seats, is among its rides. The rides then move to San Bernardo. A water park there is due in late December 2026 and the rides in December 2027.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Stroll through the colorful alleys of Barrio Bellavista and enjoy local art
  • ⛪ Explore the historic Plaza de Armas and its stunning cathedral
  • 🚠 Ride the cable car up Cerro San Cristóbal for sweeping city views
Beto Carrero World
Vibrant rides and thrilling adventures
Covering about 14 square kilometres, this park is more than 18 times the size of Hopi Hari. It opened in 1991 in Penha on the coast of Santa Catarina. Big Drop, a 93 metre tower, reaches 120 kilometres per hour. FireWhip is a 40 metre coaster. A Nerf themed area opened in 2023.
Highlights:
  • 🐬 Explore animal exhibits, including exotic birds and marine life
  • 🩰 Watch the dazzling parades featuring live music and dancers
  • 🎡 Ride the colossal Ferris wheel for panoramic city views
Feedback