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Most famous religious destinations in South America

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Rio de Janeiro
The heartbeat of Brazil's coast
8.1
Christ the Redeemer was dedicated on 12 October 1931 and stands 98 feet tall on the 2,300 foot Corcovado peak. Its arms span 92 feet. It is built of reinforced concrete covered in soapstone. A chapel beneath the statue was consecrated in 2006 and allows Catholic baptisms and weddings.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the iconic sands of Copacabana Beach
  • ✝️ Stand before Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain
  • 🚠 Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking views
Cusco
Gateway to the Incan Empire's Heart
8.4
The Inca capital stands at about 11,200 feet. Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, was the Incas' most important sanctuary. The Santo Domingo convent was built on its foundations. An effigy called the Lord of Earthquakes is still carried in annual procession. UNESCO listed the historic centre in 1983.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Stroll through Plaza de Armas and admire colonial architecture
  • 🏔️ Take the train or trek to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu
  • 🧱 Visit the ancient Inca site of Sacsayhuamán overlooking the city
Sacred Valley
Ancient terraces echoing timeless Andean rhythms
8.3
Willkamayu means sacred river in Quechua, which gave the Urubamba Valley its name. The valley runs about 62 miles from Pisac to Machu Picchu. Inca terraces are its most visible legacy. Moray may have served as a crop laboratory for maize. Machu Picchu is believed to have been built as an estate for Pachacuti.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Stroll through Pisac market, shop woven textiles
  • 🗿 Explore Ollantaytambo ruins, climb fortress walls
  • 🏔️ Hike to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail
Colombia
Where diverse landscapes meet culture
6.6
Las Lajas Sanctuary near Ipiales is a neo Gothic minor basilica built into the Guaitara River canyon. It rises about 328 feet from the canyon floor. A bridge about 164 feet tall links it to the far side. Tradition says the Virgin Mary appeared around 1754. Pilgrims arrive from Colombia and Ecuador.
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
Lake Titicaca
Crystal waters echo ancient Andean legends
The Inca treated the lake as a mythical place and pilgrimage site. Offerings were dropped into the water at Khoa reef. Isla del Sol has over 180 ruins, mostly from the Inca period. On Amantani Island two peaks are named Pachatata and Pachamama. They mean Father Earth and Mother Earth.
Highlights:
  • 🍲 Taste quinoa soup in Puno market
  • 🏛️ Explore Tiwanaku ruins on Isla del Sol
  • ⛵ Float on a traditional Uros reed boat
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